THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A dragonfly survey conducted by the Travancore Natural History Society (TNHS) and Kerala Forest Department at Thenmala and Shenduruny has sighted as many as 68 species of dragonflies. The dragonfly called blood tail (Lyriothemis tricolour) that was found until now in Northeast India was sighted in the Shenduruny area, this being the first such report. Of the other dragonflies that were spotted, the most interesting were the Ruby-tailed Hawklet(Epithemis maria), Lesser blue wing (Rhyothemis triangularis) and Myristica sapphire (Calocypha laidlawii). The Ruby-tailed Hawklet was seen in Myristica swamps at Kattalapara. Lesser blue wing was observed commonly at Darbhakulam and Kattalapara. The survey also found the Myristica sapphire dragonfly. The surveys began on the afternoon of May 18 and concluded on May 20. The 171-sq km sanctuary was divided into 7 blocks with a base camp in each of them. Kattalapara region, with its access to the Thenmala reservoir and the characteristic Myristica swamps of the sanctuary, were surveyed by Kakkasseri, Manoj V Nair and Kiran C G. The highest number was recorded there - 50 species. The survey to the high elevation region of Pandimotta was led by Baiju K and they recorded 14 species. Umayar on the northern end of the sanctuary had 15 species and was led by Manoj P Darbhakulam. Rosemala region recorded 29 species and Rockwood region 20 species. The commonest species observed were Malabar Torrent Dart (Euphaea fraseri), Yellow bush dart (Copera marginipes), Pied Reed tail (Protosticta gravelyi) Long legged Clubtail (Merogomphus longistigma). The three-day programme commenced with a seminar on the various aspects of Odonatology chaired by Franci Kakkaseri, Manoj V Nair, E Kunhikrishnan, Kiran C G, Pramod IFS and Kalesh S. The experts and the delegates discussed the survey findings and emphasised the need for more scientific studies of dragonflies. As many as 30 delegates attended the programme from across the country.
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