A new species of Protosticta Selys, 1885 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platystictidae) from the Brahmagiri Hills, Kerala, India

Abstract

A new species of Protosticta Selys, 1885 is described from Brahmagiri hills of Coorg landscape of the Western Ghats in Peninsular India. The new species Protosticta francyi sp. nov., is a congener of P. antelopoides Fraser, 1931 and P. ponmudiensis Kiran, Kalesh & Kunte, 2015, occupying a similar microhabitat, but distributed north of the major biogeographical divide, the Palghat Gap. The new taxon is distinguished from all other Protosticta of Western Ghats by the presence of long prothoracic spines in the males, the structure of the tip of the male cerci and genital ligula. A revised key to the species of Protosticta of Western Ghats is provided based on mature males.

Full text

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A new species of Protosticta Selys, 1885 (Odonata: Zygoptera:
Platystictidae) from the Brahmagiri Hills, Kerala, India
Vibhu Vijayakumaran1, 6, Vinayan P Nair2, 6, K. Abraham Samuel3, 6,
Muhamed Jafer Palot4 and Kalesh Sadasivan*5, 6
1Vipanchika, Kanichar 670674, Kannur, Kerala, India.
2XV/446 A1, Nethaji Housing Colony, Trichambaram, Taliparamba 670141, Kannur, Kerala, India.
3Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences, Ecological Research Campus, K.K Road, Velloor 686501,
Kottayam, Kerala, India.
4Zoological Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, Vidyanagar, Akurdi, PCNT 411044, Pune,
Maharashtra, India.
5Greeshmam, BN439, Bapuji Nagar, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram 695011, Kerala, India.
6TNHS Odonate Research Group, Travancore Nature History Society, Mathrubhumi Road, Vanchiyoor,
Thiruvananthapuram 695035, Kerala, India.
Email: drvibhunair@gmail.com; vinayanpnair@gmail.com; abrahamcms@gmail.com;
palot.zsi@gmail.com; kaleshs2002in@gmail.com; info.tnhs@gmail.com
ABSTRACT: A new species of Protosticta Selys, 1885 is described from Brahmagiri hills of Coorg
landscape of the Western Ghats in Peninsular India. The new species Protosticta francyi sp. nov., is a
congener of P. antelopoides Fraser, 1931 and P. ponmudiensis Kiran, Kalesh & Kunte, 2015, occupying
a similar microhabitat, but distributed north of the major biogeographical divide, the Palghat Gap. The new
taxon is distinguished from all other Protosticta of Western Ghats by the presence of long prothoracic
spines in the males, the structure of the tip of the male cerci and genital ligula. A revised key to the species
of Protosticta of Western Ghats is provided based on mature males.
© 2022 Association for Advancement of Entomology
KEYWORDS: Damselfly, hill stream ecology, endemic species, new taxon, revised key
* Author for correspondence
INTRODUCTION
The genus Protosticta consists of slender built
damselflies commonly called reed-tails or shadow-
damsels inhabiting hill streams of tropical,
subtropical, and temperate jungles. The genus has
50 extant species distributed from Pakistan, through
the Indian subcontinent to Indo-China and Southeast
Asian Islands (van Tol, 2009). Indian region has 16
species of Protosticta and of them, 13 species are
known from Western Ghats (WG) (Sadasivan et
al., 2022). The characters useful for species
identification are the synthoracic and abdominal
markings, the structure of the prothorax and anal
appendages in the males (van Tol, 2000). The
currently known species of this genus from WG
https://doi.org/10.33307/entomon.v47i3.761
ENTOMON 47(3): 265-278 (2022)
Article No. ent. 47307

266
are Protosticta gravelyi Laidlaw, 1915; P. hearseyi
Fraser, 1922; P. sanguinostigma Fraser, 1922;
P.antelopoides Fraser, 1924; P. mortoni Fraser,
1924; P. davenporti Fraser, 1931; P. rufostigma
Kimmins, 1958; P. ponmudiensis Kiran, Kalesh
& Kunte, 2015; P. monticola Emiliyamma & Palot,
2016; P. myristicaensis Joshi & Kunte, 2020;
P. sholai Subramanian & Babu, 2020;
P. cyanofemora Joshi, Subramanian, Babu &
Kunte, 2020 and P. anamalica Sadasivan, Nair &
Samuel 2022 (Fraser, 1933; Kiran et al., 2015; Tiple
and Koparde, 2015; Emiliyamma and Palot, 2016;
Joshi et al., 2020; Nair et al., 2021; Sadasivan et
al., 2022). Of these, two species – P. antelopoides
and P. ponmudiensis are relatively robust and large
and the males have very prominent prothoracic
spines (Nair et al., 2021).
During the explorations for odonates of Kerala
state, the authors came across a distinct and robust
Protosticta species from the foothills of WG, near
Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), Kannur District
from the Brahmagiri Hills of Coorg landscape. The
species appeared superficially similar to P.
antelopoides and P. ponmudiensis but differed
significantly in the structure of prothorax, male
genitalia and the tip of cerci and hence described
here as a new species. A revised key to Protosticta
of WG is provided based on males, modified from
Joshi et al. (2020) and Sadasivan et al.(2022).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The morphological description follows Garrison
et al. (2010). Nomenclature follows Paulson et al.
(2022). Taxonomic keys to the species are modified
based on Fraser (1933), Joshi et al. (2020) and
Sadasivan et al. (2022). The known distribution of
the species follows Joshi et al. (2020) and Nair
et al. (2021). The wing venation terminology
follows Riek and Kukalová-Peck (1984).
Photographs of the specimens were taken with
Canon EOS 70D DSLR camera fitted with a
180mm macro lens and MPE 65 f 2.8 1–5x lens.
Damselflies were collected in the field with an insect
net and preserved in absolute ethanol as wet
specimens. The anal appendages were studied using
a stereo-zoom microscope (HEADZ Model HD81).
Measurements, morphological details, illustrations
and comparison of caudal appendages were done
from the specimens in voucher collections of TORG.
The male prothorax, cerci and genital ligula were
hand drawn and digitalized.
Abbreviations used:
Ax Antenodal crossveins
FW Forewing
HW Hindwing
Px Postnodal crossveins
Pt Pterostigma
S1–10 Segments of the abdomen
TL Total length of the specimen including
appendages
AL Abdominal length
FWL Forewing length
HWL Hindwing length
TNHS Travancore Nature History Society
TORG TNHS Odonate Research Group
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Protosticta francyi Sadasivan, Vibhu, Nair &
Palot sp. nov.
LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:0EA8A75E-853C-4FB2-
991D-45FD0CC2F1FD
(Figs. 1, 2B, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6D, 6G)
Types: Holotype-Male, TORG 1012. Elapeedika,
Kanichar, Near Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary,
Kannur District, Kerala, India. 29.vii.2022, 450 m
a.s.l., coll. Vibhu V&Vinayan P Nair; currently with
TORG collections, Trivandrum, Kerala; wet
specimen in alcohol; will be deposited in the insect
collection facility of National Centre for Biological
Sciences, Bengaluru.
Paratypes:1) Male, TORG 1013,bearing the same
collection data as on the holotype; wet specimen in
alcohol; will be deposited in the insect collection
facility of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Pune,
Maharashtra.
2) Female, TORG 1014 and Male TORG 1022,
bearing the same collection data as on the holotype;
wet specimen in alcohol; will be deposited in the
insect collection facility of Zoological Survey of
India (ZSI), Kozhikode, Kerala.
Vibhu Vijayakumaran et al.

267
Etymology: The species is named after Dr. Francy
K. Kakkassery (Retired Professor of Zoology, St.
Thomas College, Thrissur), the pioneer in odonate
studies in Kerala, for his contribution to odonate
conservation and popularization of the subject in
the state.
Suggested Common Name: Francy’s Reed-tail.
Description of the male holotype
(Figs. 2B, 3, 4, 5A, 5D, 5G)
Head (Figs. 2B, 3). Eyes (in live insect) anteriorly
green, anterosuperiorly dark green, postero-
inferiorly pale greenish white, and inferolaterally
greenish-yellow (in life). Labium pale honey-yellow
and the anterior border with amber brown hairs
and tooth; mandible bluish-white and inferior half
bordered in black; labrum pale bluish-white, with
almost a half of its free margin bordered thickly in
black; anteclypeus paler bluish; postclypeus jet
black; genae brownish-black; antefrons, postfrons
black with faint bronze reflex; vertex black with
blush reflex; occiput jet black; post-ocular lobe jet
black, ocelli translucent white; antennae basal
segment and half of the first segment brownish,
first joint pale blush white, rest of the segments
pale brown, with the color fading distally; sparse
brownish hairs on lateral aspect of the anteclypeus
and free edge of the labrum; longer pale brown
hairs along the inferior border of anteclypeus and
on the labium. Occipital bar with long brown
paradorsal group of hairs; posterior border of head
behind the occipital bar sinuous and having mid-
dorsal convexity.
Prothorax (Fig. 3F, 6A). Anterior lobe almost half
the middle lobe, posterior lobe almost same size as
the middle lobe; in life the general color of prothorax
bluish-white, anterior lobe with a yellowish collar
like paradorsal posterior expansion on each side,
middle lobe blue, posterior lobe bluish-black with
collar and spines pale bluish-black; notopleural
suture and adjoining aspect of the anterior lobe pale
yellow; propleuron yellowish blue; pronotal collar
bears a pair of medial and lateral spines; medial
spines slender, sharp, straight and its tip turned
outwards extending just beyond the mesostigmal
plate; Lateral spines small, triangular and
rudimentary almost like an angular extension of the
collar directed inferolaterally. Prolegs coloured as
in the synthorax.
Synthorax (Figs. 2A, B, D). General color in life
is black marked with pale yellowish-white and pale
blue. In dorsal view, mesostigmal plate jet black;
mid-dorsal carina black. In lateral view, the
mesepisternum shiny dark green with bronze reflex;
mesepimeron dorsal half black and inferiorly bluish-
white, and borders with the interpleural suture black;
mesinfraepisternum superiorly dark and inferior
fourth yellowish-white; metepisternum superior half
of the middle half bordering the interpleural suture
black, rest of it pale bluish-white; metin
fraepisternum pale brownish-white, metepimeron
bluish-white; metathoracic spiracle brownish. In
ventral view, the venter of metathorax pale
yellowish-white, mid-ventrum of prothorax and
synthorax are black. The coxae and trochanter of
all legs yellowish-white; femora pale brownish, with
tibio-femoral joint region suffused in blue; tibiae pale
brownish, with its lateral aspect suffused in blue;
spines of the tibial comb, tarsus and the claws
brownish.
Wings (Figs. 4A, C). Hyaline; Pt of both wings
brown occupying less than one and one-fourth cells,
trapezoidal; anterior border straight slanting
anteriorly; posterior border convexslanting
posteriorly, thus making the superior border shorter
than the inferior; inferior border convex. Pt length
at its middle is equal to its breadth. Anal bridge
absent.Ax–2 in all wings. Px–FW 15-16 and
HW15.
Abdomen (Figs. 2B, 3A, 4B, 4D). General color
is brownish-black and marked in pale yellowish to
bluish-white as follows: S1 laterally pale bluish-
white, dorsally brown; S2 below a diagonal
connecting the anterosuperior to the posteroinferior
edges bluish-white, rest of it brown; S3–7 marked
with basal annuli, that increases in thickness towards
the posterior segments, ventral part of each of them
extends posteriorly for some distance; the posterior
extension on annuli in S2–S3 almost reaching the
posterior-fifth of its length; the annuli slightly
increases in thickness in S4–S6; S6 annulus,
New species of Protosticta Selys, 1885 from Kerala, India

268
including its posterior extension on ventral side
reaching almost one-fourth length of S6; mark on
S7, largest of the annuli, extends laterally reaching
mid-lateral aspect of S7, distal half of this mark
suffused, gradually merging with ground colour;
dorsal aspect of S7 basal annulus occupies basal
third, and rest of the segment is black, and this black
extends dorsally as a narrow triangular part into
posterior half of annulus splitting it laterally; basal
annulus on S8 incomplete dorsally it extends
posterolaterally to reach the anterior thirds, and then
thinly extends ventrally to cross in to its posterior-
thirds but stopping short of joint with S9; S8 basal
annulus half the thickness of that on S5; crescent
marks on membranes between S8-9 and S9-10
colored yellowish blue dorsally. Annuli of S3
conspicuously thinner (reduced to almost a third)
than on rest of segments S4–6. S8 annulus is largest
of annulus and on ventrolateral aspect stops just
short of its distal margin. Segments 9 and10 are
fully black.
Male ligula (Fig. 6G). Basal region of ligula
sinuous, tip thick and curved, general structure as
illustrated in the figure
Caudal appendages (Figs. 4E–G). Coloured dark
brownish-black, except basal half of paraprocts
which is coloured pale honey-yellow with a bluish
hue; length of cerci three times that of S10 in lateral
view. Cerci long thin and sinuous, furnished with a
small blunt tooth directed postero-dorsally at junction
of its basal third and middle third; middle third
uniformly tapering and curved inwards, and distal-
third spatulate. Spatulate tip of cerci with proximal
end narrow and distal end expanded. Paraprocts
uniformly curved inwards; long, ending just short
of cerci; tip of paraprocts curved inwards;
paraprocts bear a long thin spine like lamella
directed posteromedially at its distal fourth, this
lamella with a concavity posteriorly and its tip is
notched superiorly.
Measurements (mm).TL- 54, AL- 45, FWL-27,
HWL- 26.
Description of female paratype (Figs. 2C, 5)
Head (Figs. 5B–D). Colored exactly as male. Eyes
and labium as in males; mandible bluish-white and
inferior half black; labrum pale bluish-white, a little
more than lower third bordered thickly in black;
anteclypeus paler bluish; postclypeus jet black;
genae black; antefrons, postfrons, vertex, occiput
and post-ocular lobe black as in males; ocelli
translucent pinkish-white; antennae basal segment
and half of first segment brownish, around first joint
pale blush white, rest of segments pale brown; setae
and hairs on labium and occiput as in males.
Prothorax (Fig. 5C, 5E) as in males, but spines on
posterior lobes are shorter and broader.
Synthorax (Figs. 5A-C) Colour and structure as
in males.
Wings (Fig. 5A). Hyaline; Pt of both wings brown
occupying less than one and one-fourth cells,
trapezoidal; anterior border convex and slanting
anteriorly; posterior border convex and slanting
posteriorly thus making superior border shorter than
inferior; Pt length at its middle as longas its breadth.
Anal bridge absent. Ax–2 in all wings. Px–FW 16
and HW 15.
Abdomen (Fig. 4A). Segments S1–S7 coloured
as in male, but basal bluish-white rings are much
shorter and almost half their size as that on
corresponding segments of males.
Segment 7 bears triangular bluish-white patch,
dorsolateral part of this extends till half of S7, while
in ventral aspect it extends till end of S7. S8 has
small inferolateral blue spot on anteroventral aspect
of segment on each side. Segment 9 and 10
unmarked black, but membranes connecting them
pale blue. S8 is four times length of S10, while S9
is three-fourths of length of S10.
Caudal appendages (Figs. 5F, G). Cerci dark
brown, as long as length of S10, triangular in lateral
view with a superior border slightly convex, tip blunt
and directed posteroinferiorly; paraprocts reduced,
rounded brown, half-length of cerci; valve of
ovipositor black; ovipositor black, ending in a
brownish-black flat-tipped style reaching well
beyond level of cerci and valve.
Measurements (mm).TL- 47, AL-39, FWL-28,
HWL-27.
Vibhu Vijayakumaran et al.

269
New species of Protosticta Selys, 1885 from Kerala, India
Fig. 1 Map showing the type localities of Protosticta francyi sp. nov., P. antelopoides
and P. ponmudiensis, and biogeographical gaps in the Western Ghats
Distribution, habitat and ecology: They inhabit
dark forest streams at low-mid elevations (<500m).
The species, as far as known, is restricted to the
western slopes of Aaralam WLS, Kottiyoor WLS
and the forests of north Wayanad forest division in
Brahmagiri hills of Coorg landscape in central WG.
This taxon is restricted north of Palghat Gap. The
vegetation of the area is mainly of semi-evergreen
or evergreen type with good canopy cover. All the
streams are perennial with boulders and well-
covered riparian vegetation. The adults spend the
day perched on low-hanging shrubs and fern leaves
of marginal vegetation in shady hill streams. They
undertake short flights to hunt flying insects and
return to their perches. Flight period as is May to
October. Observed many specimens from
Kottiyoor WLS, Chavachi part of Aralam WLS,
foothills of Suryamudi near Kottiyoor during these
periods.
Remarks: The previous records of P. antelopoides,
in published literature from Thusharagiri, Kozhikode
(Palot and Emilyamma, 2015) and Wayanad (MJP
in Nair et al., 2021), possibly pertains to this new
species.
The three species have peculiar distribution in WG;
P. ponmudiensis is found in Agasthyamala is south
of Achankovil Gap, P. antelopoides in the
Anamalais are seen south of Palghat Gap, north of
Achankovil Gap and P. francyi sp. nov., in the
Brahmagiri Hills (Coorg landscape), north of
Palghat Gap (Fig.1). In addition to the geographical
distribution, the three closely similar species P.
antelopoides, P. ponmudiensis and P. francyi sp.
nov., are distinguished from other Protosticta of
Western Ghats by the long prominent prothoracic
spines, the spatulate tip of male cerci, and large
size (TL > 50 mm) of the males. Superficially these
three species appear similar but are distinguishable
based on the length of the prothoracic spines, the
structure of the spatulate process on tip of the cerci
of males, and the basal portion of the male ligula
and also coloration of S7.
Lateral spines on prothorax are well-developed in
both P. antelopoides and P. ponmudiensis, while
rudimentary in P. francyi sp. nov. In dorsal view,
the tip of the lateral spine is directed laterally in
P. francyi sp. nov.,while it is directed anteriorly in
P. ponmudiensis. Medial spines on prothorax are

270
Fig. 2 A–Image showing the habitat at the type locality of Protosticta francyi sp. nov., in
Brahmagiri Hills © Vinayan P Nair; B–Live male Protosticta francyi sp. nov. © Vibhu V; C–Live
female Protosticta francyi sp. nov. © Vibhu V.

271
Fig. 3 Protosticta francyi sp. nov. Holotype male (TORG 1012). A–Whole insect lateral view;
B–Dorsal view of the head, prothorax, and synthorax; C–Close-up of head anterior view; D–Lateral
view of synthorax; E–Close-up of head anterio-lateral view; F–Dorsal close-up of prothoracic spines;
G–Ventral view of synthorax and head. © Kalesh Sadasivan

272
Fig. 4 Protosticta francyi sp. nov. Holotype male (TORG 1012).
A–Venation, forewing (top) and hindwing (bottom); B–Dorsal view of S7; C–Close-up of pterostigma
of forewing; D–Lateral view of S7; E–Anteromedial view of anal appendages; F–Ventral view of anal
appendages; G–Lateral view of anal appendages. © Kalesh Sadasivan

273
Fig. 5 Protosticta francyi sp. nov. Paratype female (TORG 1014). A–Whole insect lateral view;
B–Lateral view of the head, prothorax, and synthorax; C–Dorsal view of the head, prothorax, and
synthorax; D–Close-up of head anterior view; E–Dorsal close-up of prothoracic spines; F–Lateral
view of S7-S10 and anal appendages; G–Lateral view of S7-S10 and anal appendages. © Kalesh
Sadasivan
A

274
Fig. 6 Comparison of prothoracic spines, spatulate tip of cerci of males, and ligula of Protosticta francyi
sp. nov., P. antelopoides and P. ponmudiensis. A–Prothoracic spines of Protosticta francyi sp. nov;
B–Prothoracic spines of P. antelopoides; C–Prothoracic spines of P. ponmudiensis; D–Spatulate tip of
cerci of males of Protosticta francyi sp. nov.; E–Spatulate tip of cerci of males of P. antelopoides; F–
Spatulate tip of cerci of males of P. ponmudiensis; G–Ligula of Protosticta francyi sp. nov.; H–Ligula
of P. antelopoides; I–Ligula of males of P. ponmudiensis. © Kalesh Sadasivan

275
very long, narrow-based, and elaborate extending
posteriorly well beyond twice the length of the
mesostigmal plate in P. antelopoides. Medial
spines areshort, broad-based, and never extend
posteriorly beyond the apex of the mesostigmal
plate in P. ponmudiensis; while it is short, narrow-
based, and extend posteriorly just beyond the apex
of the mesostigmal plate in P. francyi sp. nov.
The anal appendages of the three species are
apparently similar, however, differ in the fine
structure of the cerci and the disposition of spines
on it. The location and structure of the dorsal spine
on cerci in lateral view are different in the three
species. While it is beyond the mid-cerci and
directed posteriorly in P. antelopoides, it is located
just before the middle in P. ponmudiensis and
directed posteromedially, while it is located at the
junction of proximal and middle third, and directed
posterodorsally in P. francyi sp. nov. The structure
of the spatulate tip of the cerci in the dorsomedial
view is very different in the three species. The
spatulate tip is broader at the base and tapers into
the bifid apex, with the proximoventral angle being
acute and extending downwards like a tooth in P.
antelopoides (Fig. 6E). The spatulate tip is broader
at the base and tapers into the rounded and notched
apex and the proximoventral angle is obtuse and
rounded in P. ponmudiensis (Fig. 6F). The
spatulate tip is narrow at the base and broadens
into the expanded apex and the proximoventral
angle is absent in P. francyi sp. nov. (Fig. 6D).
The location of the medial spine like lamina of
paraprocts in ventral view in P. antelopoides is at
the distal-most end, however, in the other two
species are more proximally at the junction of middle
and distal thirds. The direction of this medial spine
like lamina is posteromedial in P. antelopoides,
while it is medial at right angles to the long axis of
paraprocts in P. ponmudiensis and P. francyi sp.
nov. (Fig. 4F).
The new species has synthorax with paradorsal
yellowish bronze-green metallic reflux, while
P. ponmudiensis and P. antelopoides have their
dark green metallic reflex. The lateral marking on
S7 is useful in distinguishing the three species, in
P. antelopoides this is yellow and extends ventrally
diagonally along the inferior half of the whole
segment from the anterosuperior aspect of S7 to
itsposteroinferior angle; in P. ponmudiensis the
marking is bluish-white and extends more dorsally
occupying four-fifth of S7 dorsum and only half of
the ventrum; while in P. francyi sp. nov., the colour
is bluish-white and on the dorsum it is restricted to
the basal third and never extends beyond half of
the lateral aspect of S7. S8 blue annulus is variable
and hence not useful in distinguishing the three
species (Table 1).
Table1. Comparison of morphometric characters of P. antelopoides, P. ponmudiensis and P. francyi sp. nov.
based on males
Character P. francyi sp. nov. P. ponmudiensis P. antelopoides
Total Length 55 mm 55 mm 59 mm
Abdominal length 46 mm 47 mm 50 mm
FW length 29 mm 28 mm 30 mm
HW Length 28 mm 27 mm 29 mm
Post nodal count FW and HW 16, 15 17–18, 16-–17 18, 17
Mean values in mm and postnodal count in Range; FW- Forewing; HW- Hindwing

276
Key to species of Protosticta Selys, 1885 of
Western Ghats based on males modified from
Joshi et al. (2020) and Sadasivan et al. (2022)
1. The posterior lobe of prothorax with a pair of
long, divaricate horn-like medial
spines…………................…………………2
- The posterior lobe of prothorax without such
long spines....................................................4
2. The posterior lobe of prothorax with very long
medial spines (Fig. 6B), extending posteriorly
to a distance more than twice the length of the
mesostigmal plate...................P. antelopoides
- Posterior lobe of prothorax short medialspines
extending posteriorly till the apex of the
mesostigmal plate or shorter.........................3
3. Lateral spines on prothorax well developed,
short triangular with tip directed anterolaterally;
medial spines short never extending posteriorly
beyond the apex of the mesostigmal plate (Fig.
6C); tip of cerci broad at base and tapering
distally (Fig. 6F).....................P. ponmudiensis
- Lateral spines on prothorax rudimentary,
reduced to an angular projection on the
prothoracic collar, and its tip directed laterally;
medial prothoracic spine long, thin, extending
posteriorly just beyond the apex of the
mesostigmal plate (Fig. 6A); tip of cerci narrow
at base and expanding distally (Fig. 6D) P.
francyi sp. nov.
4. Anterior 1/3rd or more of S8 bright turquoise-
blue connected dorsally…..............................5
- Anterior 1/3rd of S8 yellow or blue, not
connected dorsally.......................................10
5. Apical fork of cerci deeply incised more than
1/3rd of the total length…................................6
- Apical fork of cerci shallow incised, much less
than 1/3rd of total length …..............................8
6. Cerci with a small tubercle at middle of the
apical fork; length of abdomen + caudal
appendages < 25 mm….........P. myristicaensis
- Cerci without such a tubercle at its center;
length of abdomen + caudal appendages >25
mm...........................................................................................7
7. Prothorax with a hexagonal black marking
covering central portion of posterior lobe and a
small portion of the middle lobe; cerci with a
prominent laterally pointed basal spine; the
paraprocts with an inner stout spine at base
….................................................P. gravelyi
-Anterior & middle lobes of prothorax colored
blue, no hexagonal black mark; cerci with a small
laterally pointed basal spine; paraprocts without
an inner spine at base.......................P. mortoni
8. Prothorax completely blue; length of abdomen
+caudal appendages <30 mm; inferior lobe of
cerci very short, superior lobe not expanded
.....................................................P. hearseyi
- Anterior and middle lobes of prothorax pale
yellow, posterior lobe partially or completely
black; length of abdomen + caudal appendages
> 30 mm; inferior lobe of cerci more than 1/3rd
length of superior lobe, the latter expanded
.................................................................................…9
9. Dorsum of middle portion of posterior lobe of
prothorax completely black extending as two
points to the dorsum of middle lobe; inner fork
of cerci thin and small, superior lobe rounded
at apices and more than twice the length of
inferior....................................…P. davenporti
- Dorsum of posterior lobe of prothorax black,
laterally brown; middle lobe of prothorax with
a small dorsal faint black spot; inner fork of
cerci thick, superior lobe ending in a quadrangle,
less than twice the length of inferior
.................................................P. rufostigma
10. S9 completely black or marked only at ventral
border; posterior border of prothorax not
expanded; paraprocts not clubbed at
apices…...........................................................11
- S9 laterally marked with a large yellow spot at
anterior border, reaching more than 2/3rd of the
segment, not connected apically in both sexes;
Vibhu Vijayakumaran et al.

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posterior border of prothorax expanded;
paraprocts thin, long and clubbed at
apices…...........................................P. sholai
11. Pt red; cerci with a prominent and robust basal
spine; tip of superior lobe of cerci
bilobed...............................P. sanguinostigma
- Pt black or brown; cerci with a small blunt basal
protuberance, inwardly pointed; tip of outer fork
of cerci not bilobed…...................................12
12. Pt rectangular with length more than twice the
breadth; Px in all wings always 11 or more;
caudal appendages thrice the length of S10;
outer margin of cerci including the superior lobe
comparatively straighter on dorsal view
.......….......................................................…........13
- Pt trapezoid with length twice the breadth; Px
in all wings 10 or less; caudal appendages only
twice the length of S10; outer margin of cerci
sinuous; tip of superior lobe of cerci straight on
dorsal view…........................P. anamalaica
13. Eyes blue; femur bright blue internally; S8 with
a bright blue annule extended laterally 2/3rd of
its length; tip of superior lobe of cerci straight
.............................................P. cyanofemora
- Eyes grey and brown; femur pale yellow
internally; S8 black dorsally, ventrolaterally
yellow extends to its distal end; tip of the
superior lobe of cerci bent inward at the apices
.................................................. P. monticola
Hill streams and the invertebrates associated are
the most vulnerable in the wake of climate change
(Rogers et al., 2020), thus highlighting the
importance of these stream-associated indicator
species. The discovery of this endemic Protosticta
from the WG raises the current number of species
in this genus to 17 in India and 14 in the WG. The
addition of P. francyi sp. nov. raises the Odonata
species diversity of the Western Ghats to 209
species with 82 endemics, and that of Kerala to
183 species with 70 endemics.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors thank the Kerala Forest Department
for the research permission for the surveys and
fieldwork. MJP is grateful to the Director, Zoological
Survey of India, Kolkata for facilities and
encouragements. The authors express gratitude to
the members of TNHS, Trivandrum, for their field
assistance and support. AS wish to thank the TIES,
Kottayam and TNHS, Trivandrum for the help
during the surveys for odonates.
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