Wed Jan 08 14:37:18 UTC 2025: ## Rare Antlion and Green Lacewing Species Rediscovered in Kerala
**Thrissur, Kerala – January 8, 2025** – Researchers from the Shadpada Entomology Research Lab (SERL) at Christ College, Irinjalakuda, have rediscovered two rare insect species in Kerala, India: the green lacewing *Glenochrysa zeylanica* and the antlion *Indophanes barbara*. Both belong to the Order Neuroptera.
*Glenochrysa zeylanica*, previously believed to be endemic to Sri Lanka, was rediscovered in Wayanad district after an absence of 111 years. This marks the first time the species has been reported in India.
*Indophanes barbara*, an antlion, was found across several districts in Kerala, including Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kannur, Malappuram, and Thiruvananthapuram. Unlike typical antlions, its larvae live beneath the soil surface. Adults are sometimes mistaken for damselflies due to similar morphology, but can be distinguished by their long antennae.
Doctoral scholar Suryanarayanan T. B. and his supervisor, Assistant Professor Bijoy C., led the research, which was supported by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Their findings are published in the *Journal of the Entomological Research Society* and *Natura Somogyiensis*.
This discovery brings the total number of green lacewing species recorded in Kerala to 12 and antlion species to 8. The researchers highlight the faunal similarities between Sri Lanka and Kerala, emphasizing the importance of continued research in this area.
First Piper 