New Damselfly Species Discovered: Caliphaea Sinuofurcata

1. In May 2025, A new species of damselfly, named Caliphaea sinuofurcata, has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh.
2. The species was identified during biodiversity surveys conducted in the Upper Siang and Lower Dibang Valley districts.
3. The damselfly belongs to the genus Caliphaea, which is known from Southeast Asia and China.
4. This is only the 2nd recorded species of the genus Caliphaea in India.
5. The first species, Caliphaea confusa, was documented in India over 165 years ago.

Physical Features and Naming

1. The species is visually striking, with a metallic copper-green body, slender brown-tinted wings, and yellow and olive markings.
2. Both male and female individuals have dense black bristles resembling a beard around the mouthparts (labium and labrum).
3. These beard-like bristles inspired the proposed common name: “Bearded Bronzeback.”
4. The species name “sinuofurcata” is derived from Latin:
   • “sinuosus” meaning wavy or sinuous
   • “furcatus” meaning forked
5. The name refers to the twisted, bifurcated paraproct, a tail structure used in mating and species identification.

Habitat and Behavior

1. Caliphaea sinuofurcata inhabits small, rocky, seasonal streams in broadleaf evergreen forests.
2. The species was found at an elevation of 1200 to 1300 meters above sea level.
3. Individuals were seen flying low and perching on vegetation near streams, typically in dappled sunlight conditions.

 

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