Caliphaea sinuofurcata

Caliphaea sinuofurcata Latest News

Scientists have identified a new species of damselfly, Caliphaea Sinuofurcata, from Arunachal Pradesh.

About Caliphaea sinuofurcata

• It is a new species of damselfly.
• It was discovered during biodiversity surveys in the Upper Siang and Lower Dibang Valley districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Proposed to be called the “Bearded Bronzeback,” this stunning insect marks only the second species of the genus Caliphaea recorded in India.
• While the genus Caliphaea is known from parts of Southeast Asia and China, only one species — C. confusa — was previously recorded in India over 165 years ago.

Features of Caliphaea sinuofurcata

• The species is visually captivating with the presence of dense, black, beard-like bristlesaround the mouthparts of both males and females. 
• These hair-like setae on the labium and labrum inspired the proposed English name — the Bearded Bronzeback. 
• The name sinuofurcata — from the Latin words sinuosus (wavy or sinuous) and furcatus (forked) — refers to the twisted, bifurcated shape of the paraproct, a tail structure used for mating and species recognition.
• The damselfly gleams in metallic copper-green hues, with slender wings faintly tinted in brown, and a body adorned with subtle yellow and olive markings.
• It inhabits small, rocky seasonal streams in broadleaf evergreen forests at elevations around 1200 to 1300 meters above sea level.
• Individuals were observed flying low and perching on vegetation near the water, in dappled sunlight. 

Caliphaea sinuofurcata FAQs

Q1: What is Caliphaea sinuofurcata?

Ans: It is a new species of damselfly.

Q2: Caliphaea sinuofurcata was found in which Indian state?

Ans: Arunachal Pradesh

Q3: What is the proposed common name for Caliphaea sinuofurcata?

Ans: Bearded Bronzeback

Source: NET