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Saffron Reedtail Damselfly

01-02-2025

09:49 AM

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1 min read
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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.

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