Range extension of Lyriothemis defonsekai van der Poorten, 2009 (Anisoptera: Libellulidae), an endemic odonate in Sri Lanka

Researchers have documented the first-ever range extension of Lyriothemis defonsekai, a Critically Endangered odonate endemic to Sri Lanka. Previously known only from Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the species was believed to be a point endemic. However, recent observations in Yagirala Forest Reserve reveal an immature male and mature females, significantly expanding its known distribution. The study highlights the species' habitat preferences and underscores the importance of targeted conservation efforts beyond its original range. This discovery challenges prior assumptions about its restricted distribution and calls for broader monitoring to protect this vulnerable dragonfly.

Sumanapala, A. P., & Jayawardana, N. C. (2016). Range extension of Lyriothemis defonsekai van der Poorten, 2009 (Anisoptera: Libellulidae), an endemic odonate in Sri Lanka. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 8(13), 9589. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.2420.8.13.9589-9591