Brazil rediscovers rare dragonfly species after 116 years

After more than a century without confirmed sightings, the rare Brazilian dragonfly Lestes quadristriatus has been rediscovered in the state of Minas Gerais, reigniting interest in insect biodiversity and conservation. This is reported by Metrópoles, a partner of TV BRICS.

Originally described in 1909, Lestes quadristriatus was known only from a single male specimen. Since then, the species had remained unseen, with no confirmed records, until now.

A team of Brazilian researchers, made the breakthrough during fieldwork in the Vale Encantado Reserve near Uberaba. The group captured several individuals using standard entomological nets near a stream, approximately 50 metres from the water’s edge. The rediscovery includes both male and female specimens; the first time a female of the species has ever been recorded.

In a separate finding, a previously misidentified specimen collected in Corinto, also in Minas Gerais, was reclassified as belonging to Lestes quadristriatus. This suggests that the species may be endemic to the state, although further study is required to determine its precise distribution.

The updated species description is based on the examination of 13 males and nine females. Key distinguishing features include the black-lobed cerci with a spiny medial region, and a distinctive bicoloured pterostigma on the wings. These morphological details confirmed the identity of the rediscovered dragonfly after 116 years of scientific obscurity.

The team behind the rediscovery has called for further field expeditions to search for additional populations, particularly in remote and underexplored areas.

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