Dragonflies and Damselflies of Britain and Western Europe: A Photographic Guide (Bloomsbury Naturalist)

Dragonflies and damselflies are some of the most beautiful, fragile and resilient insects found in the natural world. With their complex behaviours, astonishing aerobatic skills and preference for freshwater habitats, they are a very rewarding group of animals to observe in the field. Dragonflies and Damselflies of Britain and Western Europe features all 98 species found in the region. Packed with outstanding photography, this comprehensive book includes close-up illustrations to highlight key identification features, diagrams of wing venation, and detailed guides to dragonfly larvae and exuviae. Each species account includes an accurate distribution map and information on field characteristics, confusion species, habitat and ecology. An introduction to the life cycle of Odonata, guidance on when and where to look for them, and the best ways to observe and photograph dragonflies and damselflies in the field are also included. These sections, combined with the identification guides, make this book the ultimate resource for any field naturalist or entomologist interested in these incredible insects. Cover Half-title Title Copyright Contents Foreword 1. The Life Cycle of Dragonflies and Damselflies Egg-laying and incubation The larval phase Emergence The adult phase (imago) 2. Dragonflies and their Habitats 3. Dragonfly Surveying, Observation and Photography Surveying dragonflies Observing dragonflies Photographing dragonflies Best practice 4. Field Key to Adult Dragonflies How to use this key Key to families 5. Field Guide to the Exuviae and Larvae (Final Instar) of Dragonflies Introduction Key distinctions between the exuviae of Zygoptera and Anisoptera Key to the exuviae of Zygoptera Key to the exuviae of Anisoptera Pterography (Wing photography) Comparative Plate of Dragonfly Morphology Bibliography Larvae Adults Checklist of the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Britain and Western Europe How to read this list Authors Acknowledgements Index of Common Names Index of Scientific Names