Dragonflies and Damselflies: A Natural History

“Dragonflies and Damselflies: A Natural History” by Dennis Paulson; Princeton University Press; © 2019; 224 pages, hardcover.While the many color photos make this a worthwhile candidate for a non-entomologist to browse–it will take considerable time–the discussion in the three chapters is in smaller print and of academic rigor, and as the author states, is “peering into every aspect of the lives of these complex animals.”Chapter 1 discusses what defines a dragonfly, from classification to body plan to size, coloration, habitat and thermoregulation. One or two good-resolution photos are on most pages and serve to illustrate the concepts discussed. Each of the first five chapters then ends with species profiles that pair photos with various interesting features of the species, often discussing the current debates on various aspects from function of unique anatomy to evolutionary history.Chapter 2 describes their “superlative flight,” the necessary vision required, their foraging and diet, predators and parasites.Chapter 3 addresses mating and the laying of eggs (oviposition), well-illustrated in the eleven species profiled.Chapter 4 describes the life cycle, from hatching, larval life, metamorphosis, seasonality, dispersal and migration and longevity.Relationships between dragonflies and people constitutes the fifth chapters. This includes cultural factors, research, education, and conservation.Chapter 6 does not provide species profiles but looks at the diversity and phylogenetic evolution.The book concludes with a glossary, further resources on odonates, an index and acknowledgments.As beautiful as this book is, the immense knowledge presented accurately will not be very meaningful to persons who remain indoors in urban and suburban settings. I could hope that for at least a few young readers, this book would motivate them to wander outside and into nature, leaving any digital devices in their pockets.

Would buy again.

It is hard to find books that really help you identify dragonflies and damselflies. I am a nature photographer and have only found a few books to be really useful. This book is excellent. It does cover more than just the USA, but, that of North American that is covered, is wonderful. I have lots of books on this subject, this one now rates as number four in importance of my go to references.

Well written with beautiful images. Not written or laid out as a scientific analysis (in other words, not laborious to read,) but still packed with great information. Much of the info in this book would only otherwise be found by reading academic studies. This author made the details of these amazing creatures available to the casual naturalist.

Although intended for people who don't know much about dragonflies, this book also has a lot of information for advanced and expert odonatists. The pictures and text are top-notch. I highly recommend this book for all naturalists.

Beautiful pictures and informational!

Really enjoyed this book. It has a great deal of interesting information.

Not a field guide but the natural history of dragonflies and damselflies. Great pictures and text.

A wonderful book, full of fascinating examples of both representative and unusual odonate life histories. Authoritatively written by an expert in the field, it is nevertheless written for a general audience, and the text is very engaging and accessible to casual natural history readers. Not a lot has been written for the armchair naturalist about this group of insects, despite their wide appeal, and this is an outstanding contribution. The photography is consistently excellent throughout, and some might mistake this for a coffee table book. But it is considerably more than that, and is a very welcome addition to my natural history bookshelf.

Well illustrated and wonderful accounts of 55 species. Gives a detailed guide to different natural history aspects of this group of insects. The book provides an interesting and absorbing story about these primitive but exhibiting wonderful and interesting behaviours.