Researchers identify gynandromorphism in crimson marsh glider dragonfly

Specimen spotted by schoolboy from Palakkad on his house premises

A part male and part female dragonfly, sighted first by a class X student from his homestead at Changaleeri, Mannarkkad in Palakkad, has been recorded as the first case of gynandromorphism (the condition of an individual, especially an insect, showing some male and some female characteristics) in crimson marsh glider. The peculiar dragonfly was first sighted by Ajay Krishna who was exploring his backyard during the lockdown in October 2020. A small pond is located 100 m from where the crimson marsh glider dragonfly was spotted first by Ajay and the Kunthi river flows about 600 m away. Although gynandromorphism has been reported in crustaceans, arachnids and insects, including at least 55 cases in dragon flies, it is the first time that the condition has been reported in a crimson marsh glider (Trithemis aurora).