Kerala: New dragonfly species found in Wayanad named after district

Researchers have discovered a new dragonfly species in Wayanad, India, and have named it Epithemis wayanadensis. The dragonfly, also known as the Red-rumped Hawklet, was found in the Western Ghats landscape. It is a sister taxon of the Ruby-tailed Hawklet, but it has darker pigmentation and more restricted red coloration. The new species is highly seasonal and occurs in colonies in shady marshes. This discovery is significant as it is the first time molecular techniques have been used to confirm the identity of a new species in Indian Odonatology.