Few animal groups can represent the greatest (insects) and most threatened (freshwater) biodiversity on Earth as well as dragonflies, perhaps the best-known and most colourful of all aquatic insects. Extending from Sudan and Somalia to Zambia and Mozambique, including the entire eastern half of the Congo Basin, this book covers a third of Africa.

Dragonflies are a beautiful, important and conspicuous component of freshwater, whether still or flowing. South Africa's dragonflies are particularly interesting as many are special or endemic to the area, making it a part of the world of great conservation significance. This book discusses this exciting dragonfly fauna. Dragonflies are a beautiful, important and conspicuous component of freshwater, whether still or flowing. They are also important indicators of freshwater quality and condition, which is significant for current and future conservation initiatives in South Africa. The country's dragonflies are particularly interesting as many are special or endemic to the area, making it a part of the world of great conservation significance. Sadly however, many of these endemic species are highly threatened, especially by invasive alien trees which shade out their habitat. This book is about this exciting dragonfly fauna. Besides aiming at increasing awareness of these lovely and sensitive insects, it enables their identification, using several approaches, from simple flick-through to the use of comprehensive identification keys. Each species is also given a Dragonfly Biotic Index, covering a spectrum from the most common, widespread and tolerant species through to the most threatened, rare and sensitive ones. Michael Samways is Professor and Chair of the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa and a Fellow of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He has published 260 scientific papers and written several books on insect biology and conservation, the most recent of which is Insect Diversity Conservation, Cambridge University Press. He has won several awards, and in the last two years, these include the Stellenbosch University Rector's Award for Research Excellence, the John Herschel Medal from the Royal Society of South Africa, and the Senior Captain Scott Medal from the South African Academy for Science and Art. Michael is on several international editorial boards and involved with various international committees devoted to invertebrate conservation. Indeed, his research team is dedicated to the conservation of invertebrates and other biodiversity, which so enrich our planet.

This field guide to the dragonflies and damselflies of South Africa covers all species known to occur in the region. A detailed introduction covers behaviour, life cycles, biology and breeding; and the species entries focus on identification and distribution. Colour plates feature scans of the actual insects – males and females where possible – as well as close ups and side views; and diagnostic labels help ensure accurate ID. Additional photographs show species in their specific habitat and illustrate key behaviour. Beautifully presented and authoritative, this book will appeal to anyone with an interest in South Africa’s insect life, and to nature lovers in general.

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.

Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West is the first fully illustrated field guide to all 348 species of dragonflies and damselflies in western North America. Dragonflies and damselflies are large, stunningly beautiful insects, as readily observable as birds and butterflies. This unique guide makes identifying them easy--its compact size and user-friendly design make it the only guide you need in the field. Every species is generously illustrated with full-color photographs and a distribution map, and structural features are illustrated where they aid in-hand identification. Detailed species accounts include information on size, distribution, flight season, similar species, habitat, and natural history. Dennis Paulson's introduction provides an essential primer on the biology, natural history, and conservation of these important and fascinating insects, along with helpful tips on how to observe and photograph them. Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West is the field guide naturalists, conservationists, and dragonfly enthusiasts have been waiting for. Covers all 348 western species in detail Features a wealth of color photographs Provides a color distribution map for every species Includes helpful identification tips Serves as an essential introduction to dragonflies and their natural history

In this fully revised edition of A Guide to Dragonflies & Damselflies of South Africa, all 164 species known to occur in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland are described and illustrated, grouped according to family (six dragonfly and six damselfly families). The species entries feature scans of live insects (close-up and side-view images) and photographs of specimens in their natural environment and showing key behaviours. Detailed descriptions focus on size, identifying features and occurrence. An introductory chapter unpacks the life cycle, behaviour, biology and breeding of this fascinating group of insects. Presented in a classic field guide format, this revised edition now also features: expanded annotations to all illustrations, highlighting diagnostic features to ensure accurate identification; updated distribution maps; additional colour plates and photographs. Beautifully designed, informative and authoritative, this book will appeal to anyone with an interest in South Africa’s insect life, and to nature lovers in general. Sales points: Text and distribution maps fully updated and revised; lavish colour plates make ID easy; growing area of interest; the authors’ two previous books on this topic were well received and have sold through (now out of print). This fully revised edition of A Guide to Dragonflies & Damselflies of South Africa, all 164 species known to occur in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland are described and illustrated, grouped according to family (six dragonfly and six damselfly families). The species entries feature scans of live insects (close-up and side-view images) and photographs of specimens in their natural environment and showing key behaviours. Detailed descriptions focus on size, identifying features and occurrence. An introductory chapter unpacks the life cycle, behaviour, biology and breeding of this fascinating group of insects. Presented in a classic field guide format, this revised edition now also features: expanded annotations to all illustrations, highlighting diagnostic features to ensure accurate identification; updated distribution maps; additional colour plates and photographs. Beautifully designed, informative and authoritative, this book will appeal to anyone with an interest in South Africa’s insect life, and to nature lovers in general. Sales points: Text and distribution maps fully updated and revised; lavish colour plates make ID easy; growing area of interest; the authors’ two previous books on this topic were well received and have sold through (now out of print).