Saffron Reedtail Damselfly

Saffron Reedtail Damselfly Latest News

Recently, two naturalists have spotted the saffron reedtail damselfly for the first time in Karnataka along the Netravati River.

About Saffron Reedtail Damselfly

• It is referred to as Indosticta deccanensis and commonly called saffron reedtail because of the saffron bodies.
• This particular species belongs to the family Platystictidae, commonly referred to as shadow damselflies.
• Saffron Reedtail Damselfly Appearance: They are slender and delicate insects.
• It is a rare species endemic to the Western Ghats of India.

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Habitat of Saffron Reedtail Damselfly

• They are seen in streams surrounded by thick vegetation and usually found near slow-moving forest streams where they rely on pristine water quality for their lifecycle.
• Prior to this discovery, the distribution of these damselflies was documented in the southern parts of the Western Ghats (In Kerala and Tamil Nadu)
• The presence of them is an indicator of a healthy ecosystem, as they are highly sensitive to environmental changes and pollution.

What are Damselflies?

• They are a group of predatory, aerial insects that are in the order Odonata. 
• Habitat of Damselflies: Damselflies are found mainly near shallow, freshwater habitats and are graceful fliers with slender bodies and long, filmy, net-veined wings.
• They are generally smaller, more delicate, and fly weakly in comparison with dragonflies.

Saffron Reedtail Damselfly FAQs

Q1: Where is Western Ghats located?

Ans: A chain of mountains running parallel to India’s western coast, approximately 30-50 km inland.

Source: TH