Rare Long-Tailed Duskhawker Dragonfly Rediscovered

In May 2026, citizen scientists reported the rediscovery of the rare dragonfly species Gynacantha khasiaca, commonly known as the Long-tailed Duskhawker, from the Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh.

The species was last scientifically described in 1914 from the erstwhile Abor Hills, making this a significant rediscovery after more than 110 years.
It is a large dragonfly characterized by pale brown and green colouration and crepuscular (active during dawn and dusk) behaviour.
The species possesses two large compound eyes containing thousands of tiny lenses (ommatidia), providing an almost 360-degree field of vision.
It is capable of hovering motionlessly in the air and rapidly patrolling territories.