Damselflies of Alberta: Flying Neon Toothpicks in the Grass (Alberta Insects Series (Inactive))

With iridescent blues and greens, damselflies are some of the most beautiful flying insects as well as the most primitive. As members of the insect order Odonata they are related to dragonflies but are classified in a separate suborder. These aquatic insects are a delight to the eye and a fascinating creature of study. In Damselflies of Alberta , naturalist John Acorn describes the twenty-two species native to the province. Exhaustively researched, yet written in an accessible style, the author's enthusiasm for these flying neon toothpicks is compelling. More than a field guide, this is a passionate investigation into one of nature's winged marvels of the wetlands. Contents......Page 8 Preface......Page 10 Acknowledgements......Page 12 1 Flying Neon Toothpicks? An Introduction to Damselflies......Page 14 2 A Day in the Life of a Damselfly......Page 22 3 Damselflies and Wetlands......Page 32 4 The History of Damselfly Study in Alberta......Page 36 5 How to Study Damselflies......Page 48 6 Damselfly Conservation in Alberta......Page 56 7 The Damselflies of Alberta......Page 64 Appendix 1: Checklist of Alberta Damselflies......Page 142 Appendix 2: Key to the Adult Damselflies of Alberta......Page 144 Appendix 3: Helpful Sources for Damselfly Study......Page 152 E......Page 154 O......Page 155 P......Page 156 S......Page 157 W......Page 158 References......Page 159 A Gallery of Damselflies......Page 164 Blank Page......Page 4 "Naturalist John Acorn describes the twenty-two species of damselflies native to Alberta. Exhaustively researched, richly illustrated and written in an accessible style, the author's enthusiasm for these flying neon toothpicks is contagious. More than a field guide, this is an investigation into one of nature's marvels of the wetlands."--Jacket