(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Two new species of fireflies endemic to Sri Lanka have been discovered.
The discovery was made by a group including Dr. Dhammika Wijekoon from the Department of Zoology of the University of Ruhuna.
Dr. Wijekoon said the two species of fireflies were identified through research carried out since 2009, in the Rammale forest reserve in Walasmulla.
He said the two species belong to a rare species of fireflies found in South Asia, and it is the first time they were discovered in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Wijekoon said one of the species was named after the University of Ruhuna, and the other was named after the Rammale forest reserve.
He added that fireflies are an indication of the cleanliness of the surrounding environment.
