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) Da Nang (VNS/VNA) - A report about a new species of damselfly (CoelicciaLecongcoi) – found in central Vietnam – was officially published by Zootaxa (a peer-reviewed scientific journal on animal taxonomy) in early February.
Dr. Phan Quoc Toan, Director of the centre for Entomology & ParasitologyResearch under the Institute of Research & Training of Medicine, Biology& Pharmacy at Da Nang-based Duy Tan University, said on February 25 thatthe report was posted in the journal on February 4.
Toan said the newest species of damselfly was found in the Ngoc Linh naturereserve in Kon Tum province and the National Kon Ka Kinh Park in Gia Lai, whilethe 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 damselflyin Vietnam.
The scientist said damselflies often live around small springs in the middle ofthick vegetation in primary jungles.
“It’s a significant result contributing to the biodiversity data of Vietnam andlist of insect species. Most damselfly species in Vietnam are often foundliving in forests in the central highlands region,” Toan said.
“The report on the latest damselfly is the first step in prolonged research ontiny dragonflies and other insect species in Vietnam,” he said.
He said the damselfly species serves as a bio-indicator in assessing up-streamwater and ecological systems in environment and agricultural production.
Toan added that the damselfly research would help find effective solutions inwiping out harmful insects.
According to latest research, about 400 dragonfly species had been identifiedin Vietnam.-VNS/VNA
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