Thodupuzha: A rare species of dragonfly, believed to have migrated from the higher plains of Asia and Europe during the Ice Age, has been spotted in Munnar. Researchers have now confirmed the presence of Crocothemis erythraea (scarlet dragonfly) in the region.

This dragonfly is commonly found in parts of Africa, the Mediterranean, and certain areas of Asia. Although it has occasionally been observed in the higher reaches of the Western Ghats, it was long mistaken for Crocothemis servilia, a species typically found in low-lying regions.

Since 2019, researchers have been studying the dragonfly’s distinctive features, such as body colour, wing vein patterns, and habitat preferences, and have confirmed it as a rare species in the Western Ghats as well. The findings have been published in Entomon, a scientific journal.

The research team has also recorded the presence of this species in high-altitude regions such as Chinnar, Pambadum Shola, Anamudi Shola, Rajakumari, Vagamon, and Parambikulam. The study was conducted by Dr Kalesh Sadasivan and Dr Baiju (Travancore Natural History Society, Thiruvananthapuram), Dr Jaffar Palot (Zoological Survey of India, Kozhikode), Dr Abraham Samuel (Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences, Kottayam), and Vinayan P Nair (Alphonsa College, Pala).