What if a creature believed lost for over a century suddenly reappeared?
A dragonfly unseen for 110 years has resurfaced in India, astonishing scientists and reigniting hopes for the survival of rare species hidden in the wild.
After 110 years of silence, the rare Gynacantha khasiaca has been rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a remarkable return for the elusive dragonfly.
Commonly known as the Long-tailed Duskhawker, the dragonfly was spotted in Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve by a team of four citizen scientists during a biodiversity survey in October 2024.
The finding was officially documented in a study published this month in the Journal of Threatened Taxa , ending more than 100 years without a confirmed record of the species in India.
A Century Old Comeback
The rediscovery is significant because the species had not been recorded in India since 1914, when it was first documented in the former Abor Hills region.
Researchers found the dragonfly nearly 600 km east of its original recorded location, expanding its known range and offering fresh insights into its distribution.
Beyond its rarity, the Long-tailed Duskhawker is a fascinating insect, equipped with large compound eyes containing thousands of lenses that provide an almost 360-degree view of its surroundings.
Aerial Agility On Display
Dragonflies are among nature’s most skilled fliers, capable of hovering mid-air, making rapid turns, and even flying backwards with ease.
The rediscovered male Long-tailed Duskhawker was spotted on a cloudy October morning, actively patrolling a roadside stretch and darting through the air with remarkable agility.
Researchers observed the dragonfly hovering repeatedly to guard its territory—a classic behavior among dragonflies, which fiercely defend their preferred spaces from rivals.
The Significance Of Rediscovery
Discovering a species after more than 110 years is about more than simply updating a scientific record. It offers a rare opportunity to better understand and appreciate biodiversity.
Dragonflies are widely regarded as indicators of environmental health because many species depend on clean water and relatively undisturbed habitats to survive.
Their presence can provide valuable insights into the condition of nearby ecosystems, making this rediscovery significant not only for science but also for conservation.
A Biodiversity Hotspot
This discovery underscores the rich biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh, one of India’s most ecologically significant regions.
India is home to 504 known species of dragonflies and damselflies, reflecting the country’s remarkable freshwater biodiversity.
Of these, around 110 species have been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh alone, highlighting the state’s importance as a stronghold for insect diversity and conservation.
A Rare Tale Of Survival
This rediscovery highlights the importance of continued biodiversity surveys and long-term habitat conservation efforts.
It also underscores the ecological value of Namdapha National Park, one of India’s richest wildlife landscapes.
At a time when many species are making headlines for disappearing, this finding offers a more hopeful narrative.
The long-tailed duskhawker tells a rare story of persistence and survival against the odds.
Hidden within the forests of Arunachal Pradesh, the long-tailed duskhawker appears to have endured quietly for generations before finally being spotted again.
Its rediscovery after 110 years is more than a remarkable scientific find—it is a reminder that nature still holds surprises and that protecting biodiversity can lead to extraordinary discoveries.
How many other “lost” species might still be waiting to be rediscovered in India’s wild landscapes?
DISCLAIMER: This article is derived from information available in the public domain.
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