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

A new species of damselfly was found in central Vietnam by Dr. Phan Quoc Toan from Da Nang-based Duy Tan University. (Photo courtesy of Phan Quoc Toan)

Dr. Phan Quoc Toan, Director of the centre for Entomology & Parasitology Research under the Institute of Research & Training of Medicine, Biology & Pharmacy at Da Nang-based Duy Tan University, said on February 25 that the report was posted in the journal on February 4.

Toan said the newest species of damselfly was found in the Ngoc Linh nature reserve in Kon Tum province and the National Kon Ka Kinh Park in Gia Lai, while the first species Coeliccia duytan was found in Chu Mom Ray in Kon Tum province.

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

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 Vietnam and list of insect species. Most damselfly species in Vietnam are often found living in forests in the central highlands region,” Toan said.

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

Toan 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 Vietnam.-VNS