Caliphaea sinuofurcata:
Scientists have identified a new species of damselfly, Caliphaea Sinuofurcata, from Arunachal Pradesh.
- Caliphaea sinuofurcata is a new species of damselfly.
- It was discovered during biodiversity surveys in the Upper Siang and Lower Dibang Valley districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Proposed to be called the “Bearded Bronzeback,” this stunning insect marks only the second species of the genus Caliphaea recorded in India.
- While the genus Caliphaea is known from parts of Southeast Asia and China, only one species — confusa — was previously recorded in India over 165 years ago.
- The species is visually captivating with the presence of dense, black, beard-like bristles around the mouthparts of both males and females.
- These hair-like setae on the labium and labrum inspired the proposed English name — the Bearded Bronzeback.
- The name sinuofurcata — from the Latin words sinuosus (wavy or sinuous) and furcatus (forked) — refers to the twisted, bifurcated shape of the paraproct, a tail structure used for mating and species recognition.
- The damselfly gleams in metallic copper-green hues, with slender wings faintly tinted in brown, and a body adorned with subtle yellow and olive markings.
- It inhabits small, rocky seasonal streams in broadleaf evergreen forests at elevations around 1200 to 1300 meters above sea level.
- Individuals were observed flying low and perching on vegetation near the water, in dappled sunlight.
