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A new species of spreadwing damselfly named Lestes paloti was recently discovered in which state?
Karnataka
Tamil Nadu
Maharashtra
Kerala
Kerala
A new species of spreadwing damselfly named Lestes paloti has been discovered in the Western Ghats of Kerala.
Researchers identified Lestes paloti as a distinct new species, marking a significant addition to the odonate taxonomy of India. This discovery is particularly notable as it is the first new species described in the Lestes genus in India since 1987. The species thrives in unique environments, including scrub vegetation and laterite hillocks, rather than typical open water habitats. This finding emphasizes the rich biodiversity present within the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats.
Species Name: Lestes paloti
Discovery Location: Western Ghats, Kerala
Genus Significance: First new species of the genus Lestes described from India since Lestes garoensis (1987)
Habitat: Scrub vegetation and laterite hillocks; changes color from brown (dry season) to bluish (monsoon)
D is correct тАФ The new species of spreadwing damselfly, Lestes paloti, was discovered by odonatologists in the Western Ghats region of Kerala.
Remember that 'Lestes' is a genus of damselflies; since the last discovery was in 1987, this makes Lestes paloti a rare and significant finding for Indian entomology.