Dragonflies and Damselflies of the World: A Guide to Their Diversity

(Hardback)

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A richly illustrated guide to the incredible diversity of dragonflies and damselflies around the world

Airily dancing over rivers and ponds, the thousands of dragonfly and damselfly species that cohabit our planet dazzle us with their beauty. As key species in freshwater ecosystems, they are vital indicators of the health of our environment. Dragonflies and damselflies exhibit a range of fascinating behaviors, including male courtship displays, aerial mating, and mate-guarding to ensure the next generation. Their speed and agility in the air make adults effective predators, but as aquatic nymphs they also scoot through the water to snatch up prey. Dragonflies and Damselflies of the World showcases the breathtaking diversity and beauty of these colorful insects while shedding light on how we can help to protect them.

• Features hundreds of stunning color photos of numerous species
• Profiles representatives of every family
• Explores the evolution of dragonflies and damselflies and how their unique features and adaptations have aided their survival
• Includes details about behavior, ecology, and conservation

Author Bio

Klaas-Douwe B. Dijkstra is one of the world's leading experts on dragonflies and damselflies and the author of field guides for Europe and Africa. As an independent researcher, his focus is on the group's global classification and African species diversity. He is an associate of Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands and a member of the Freshwater Conservation Committee of the Switzerland-based International Union for Conservation of Nature.