New Dragonfly Species Discovered in Cambodia and Laos
Posted on April 16, 2016
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown species of dragonfly in a remote mountainous border region (the Annamense Mountains) between Cambodia and Laos. The new dragonfly is about six centimeters long (2.4 inches). It is described by Russian insect researcher Oleg Kosterin and his Japanese colleague Naoto Yokoi.
The dragonfly lives close to mountain streams. It has a black body with yellow spots and green eyes. The dragonflies live as larva in the mud before becoming adults. Only male specimens have been discovered so far.
The new species has been named Asiagomphus reinhardt after biologist Klaus Reinhardt to honor his merits and achievements and promotion of international dragonfly research.
Reinhardt says in a statement, "Having a newly discovered animal or plant species named after oneself is one of the most beautiful awards for a biologist. I am extraordinarily honoured, for sure, but there are a lot of other dragonfly researchers who would have deserved this award before me."
A research paper on the new species was published here in the journal, Zootaxa.