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Picture Courtesy: MIT-WPU

Context: The discovery of the new damselfly species, named 'Armageddon reedtail' or Protosticta armageddonia, in Kerala's southern Western Ghats is significant and highlights the pressing ecological crisis that the world faces, particularly the decline of insect populations.

Key Highlights

• The researchers from MIT-World Peace University in Pune chose the name 'Armageddon reedtail' to draw attention to the global decline in insect populations due to habitat loss and climate change. This ominous name is intended to serve as a stark reminder of the ecological crisis.
• The term 'ecological armageddon' or 'insect apocalypse' describes the devastating decline in insect populations worldwide. This decline has far-reaching consequences for ecosystems as insects play crucial roles in pollination, nutrient cycling, and serving as a food source for other animals.
• Experts are using the discovery of this new species as a powerful call to action for world leaders to address urgent issues related to global warming and its catastrophic impact on biodiversity.
• The new species has a dark brown to black body with vibrant greenish-blue eyes. Half of its eight abdominal segments are marked with delicate pale blue markings. It inhabits primary montane streams beneath dense canopy cover.
• The forests of the Western Ghats, where this species was discovered, are undergoing rapid changes due to rampant development and habitat loss. This discovery is seen as a symbol of the broader environmental crisis faced by the region.

Conclusion

• The discovery of the Armageddon reedtail damselfly species serves as a poignant symbol of the ecological crisis facing the world, particularly the decline of insect populations. It underscores the need for immediate action to address climate change and protect biodiversity.

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