Platylestes kirani sp. nov. is described from the coastal areas of the northern part of Kerala (Kannur District) in southern India. Platylestes Selys, 1862 is a genus of stalk-winged damselflies in the family Lestidae, which known from India, by only one species, P. platystylus. The species found from Eastern India, West Bengal, and more recently in Kerala. The unique coloration, distinct markings on synthorax, and the shape of the anal appendages make this species different from all other known species of the genus.
This species is currently found only in the coastal wetlands of Kannur District in North Kerala. This species was often found in paddy fields and mangrove wetlands, where the water was saline during the dry seasons, from March to May. Several individuals have found during the months of August, September, and October. This species was found to be locally abundant during the short flight period from August to September or October. During the period from June to August, the locality also shared by its close congener P. platystylus.
The genus Platylestes Selys, 1862 includes medium-sized damselflies (2.2–3.3 cm), which are non-metallic, dark in color, and resting with wings expanded. This species is characterized from P. platystylus and P. heterostylus by its broad black band on synthorax and apple green coloration.
Based on a recent list of Odonata species in the world, three species are known as follows, P. heterostylus Liefinck, 1932, P. platystylus, and P. pertnax Liefinck, 1932. The distribution record of P. heterostylus is from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. P. platystylus is a relatively well-known, the distribution is recently reported from various parts of Kerala, many naturalists recorded through several photographic reports while distributing through West Bengal (India), Myanmar, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Thailand, and Vietnam. The distribution of P. pertnax is not mentioned anywhere in the literature.
The Edakepuram Wetland is located at 5km north of Azheekkal estuary. The area was mainly paddy fields and is bordered by a small patch of mangroves. Swamp vegetation was dominated by the growth of Nymphaea nauchali, Ipomoea aquatca, Hydrilla vertcillata, and a thick growth of Cynodon arcuatus grasses. The shoreline vegetation was mainly of Mariscus javanicus, Colocassia esculenta, Eclipta alba, Urena lobata, Ipomoea marginata, Impatiens minor, Cayreta trifolia, and Passifora foetda.
This new species, mainly found inside the coastal vegetation and rests on the stems of Colocassia plants or on the leaf blades of grasses and sedge. Reproductive activity was not noted from the area and most of the specimens observed were male.
Cover Photo – K.G. Emiliyamma & C. Charesh
