Here we report a case of gynandromorphism in the dragonfly Crocothemis servilia (Drury, 1773), (I... more Here we report a case of gynandromorphism in the dragonfly Crocothemis servilia (Drury, 1773), (Insecta: Odonata: Anisoptera: Libellulidae) from the Puzhakkal region of Kole wetlands, Thrissur, Kerala, southern India from a single photograph recorded during a survey conducted on 14 July 2019. The individual exhibits bilateral gynandromorphism only in the thoracic region, half of which showed blood red colouration as in males and the other half pale yellow characteristic of females. The base of the wing of the red half was marked with rich amber, in contrast with the other wing base which was paler. The head, legs, and abdomen showed typical female morphology.
is a Near Threatened, endemic species of the Western Ghats of southern India, south of the Palakk... more is a Near Threatened, endemic species of the Western Ghats of southern India, south of the Palakkad Gap (=Palghat Gap). Within its restricted range, it has two subspecies-the more widespread nominate race found in the high ranges north of the Shencottah Gap; and meridionalis, occurring south of the Gap. A study on territoriality was carried out on the latter at four study sites, namely Pandipath, Pandimotta, Kodayar, and Mahendragiri, in the Agasthyamalai hills from January 2011 to March 2011 after a pilot study in December 2010. Territory size of 30 pairs was estimated by following them and marking their locations using a GPS unit. The territories were found only in shola forests above 1,200 m above msl. Territories were not recorded in tea plantations, grasslands, scrub dominated rocky areas, bare rocky areas, forest patches adjoining reservoirs, and in large swathes of Ochlandra. The average territory size was estimated to be about 2 ha. No overlap of territories was observed and the territories were separated by an average distance of 66.04 m. Pairs were formed and territories defended only in the breeding season. Habitat loss and deterioration were identified as serious threats to the subspecies.
Anurans of Puducherry, a union territory measuring 293 km2, on the East coast of India are unders... more Anurans of Puducherry, a union territory measuring 293 km2, on the East coast of India are understudied. In this communication, we provide a comprehensive list of anurans encountered in and around wetlands across this union territory. Visual Encounter Surveys during the rainy season in 17 wetlands yielded a total of 14 species belonging to four families. This diversity is relatively low compared to other urban areas like Bangalore or Pune having 16 and 31 species respectively. Possible reasons for this low diversity and scope for future studies have been emphasized.
Here we report a case of gynandromorphism in the dragonfly Crocothemis servilia (Drury, 1773), (I... more Here we report a case of gynandromorphism in the dragonfly Crocothemis servilia (Drury, 1773), (Insecta: Odonata: Anisoptera: Libellulidae) from the Puzhakkal region of Kole wetlands, Thrissur, Kerala, southern India from a single photograph recorded during a survey conducted on 14 July 2019. The individual exhibits bilateral gynandromorphism only in the thoracic region, half of which showed blood red colouration as in males and the other half pale yellow characteristic of females. The base of the wing of the red half was marked with rich amber, in contrast with the other wing base which was paler. The head, legs, and abdomen showed typical female morphology.
is a Near Threatened, endemic species of the Western Ghats of southern India, south of the Palakk... more is a Near Threatened, endemic species of the Western Ghats of southern India, south of the Palakkad Gap (=Palghat Gap). Within its restricted range, it has two subspecies-the more widespread nominate race found in the high ranges north of the Shencottah Gap; and meridionalis, occurring south of the Gap. A study on territoriality was carried out on the latter at four study sites, namely Pandipath, Pandimotta, Kodayar, and Mahendragiri, in the Agasthyamalai hills from January 2011 to March 2011 after a pilot study in December 2010. Territory size of 30 pairs was estimated by following them and marking their locations using a GPS unit. The territories were found only in shola forests above 1,200 m above msl. Territories were not recorded in tea plantations, grasslands, scrub dominated rocky areas, bare rocky areas, forest patches adjoining reservoirs, and in large swathes of Ochlandra. The average territory size was estimated to be about 2 ha. No overlap of territories was observed and the territories were separated by an average distance of 66.04 m. Pairs were formed and territories defended only in the breeding season. Habitat loss and deterioration were identified as serious threats to the subspecies.
Anurans of Puducherry, a union territory measuring 293 km2, on the East coast of India are unders... more Anurans of Puducherry, a union territory measuring 293 km2, on the East coast of India are understudied. In this communication, we provide a comprehensive list of anurans encountered in and around wetlands across this union territory. Visual Encounter Surveys during the rainy season in 17 wetlands yielded a total of 14 species belonging to four families. This diversity is relatively low compared to other urban areas like Bangalore or Pune having 16 and 31 species respectively. Possible reasons for this low diversity and scope for future studies have been emphasized.
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