New damselfly species found in central Việt Nam

February 26, 2019 - 07:15

A report about a new species of damselfly (Coeliccia Lecongcoi) – found in central Việt Nam – was officially published by Zootaxa (a peer-reviewed scientific journal on animal taxonomy) in early February.

A new species of damselfly wass found in central Việt Nam by Dr. Phan Quốc Toản from Đà Nẵng-based Duy Tân University. — Photo courtesy of Phan Quốc Toản
Viet Nam News

ĐÀ NẴNG — A report about a new species of damselfly (Coeliccia Lecongcoi) – found in central Việt Nam – was officially published by Zootaxa (a peer-reviewed scientific journal on animal taxonomy) in early February.

Dr. Phan Quốc Toản, director of the centre for Entomology & Parasitology Research under the Institute of Research & Training of Medicine, Biology & Pharmacy at Đà Nẵng-based Duy Tân University, told Việt Nam News yesterday that the report was posted in the journal on February 4.

Toản said the newest species of damselfly was found in the Ngọc Linh nature reserve in Kon Tum Province and National Kon Ka Kinh Park in Gia Lai, while the first species Coeliccia duytan was found in Chư Mom Rây in Kon Tum Province.

The director said he spent 30 months completing his research on the damselfly in Việt Nam.

The scientist said damselflies often live around small springs in the middle of thick vegetation in primary jungles.

“It’s a significant result contributing to the biodiversity data of Việt Nam and list of insect species. Most damselfly species in Việt Nam are often found living in forests in the central highlands region,” Toản said.

“The report on the latest damselfly is the first step in prolonged research on tiny dragonflies and other insect species in Việt Nam,” he said.

He said the damselfly species serves as a bio-indicator in assessing up-stream water and ecological systems in environment and agricultural production.

Toản added that the damselfly research would help find effective solutions in wiping out harmful insects.   

According to latest research, about 400 dragonfly species had been identified in Việt Nam. — VNS

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