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BRITAIN'S DRAGONFLIES by Dave Smallshire & Andy Swash
ISBN: 1-903657-04-0
Pages: 168
Dimensions: 148 x 210 mm
Cover: Hardback
First published: 2004
Published by: WILDGuides Ltd., Old Basing (www.wildguides.co.uk)
RRP: £15.00
This book is comprehensive in that it deals with ALL the species that
breed within the British Isles along with the vagrant and potential
vagrants species (43 breeding species, 3 extinct species and 19 vagrant /
potential vagrant).
There is much for both the beginner and the expert alike throughout the
book, the introductory pages deal with some general knowledge about
dragonflies; their key features; the basic biology; emergence; dispersal
and migration before moving on to habitats. There are some excellent
charts showing the key identification points for males / females of all
the species that are currently breeding.
The main part of the book deals with each species, which covers the
identification of adults, egg and larvae, behaviour, breeding habitat and
population and conservation. There is further information on where and
when to find the species along with some observation tips. The text is on
the facing page to the colour plate which is a montage of high quality
colour images of the dragonfly (male, female, immature and colour forms)
these are to be commended as a brilliant piece of work.
The book then has a section on the identification of larvae and exuviae
which again is very comprehensive in that it covers all breeding species
including the recent coloniser (Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma
viridulum). Anyone with a x20 hand held lens should be able to sort
out most if not all larvae and exuviae using this key.
The final few pages deal with topics such as 'watching and photography',
'monitoring and recording', 'legislation and protection' , 'further
reading', 'useful addresses' and a piece about the British Dragonfly
Society.
To sum up then for your £15.00 you get a hardback book, which is
crammed with information, stunning pictures of males and females along
with some very useful keys (charts) for both adults, larvae and exuviae. I
am sure that it is a book that will find a place on most peoples
bookshelves that have an interest in dragonflies. I am reliably informed
that some of the monies raised from the book's sale will be donated to the
British Dragonfly Society which will ultimately help in the conservation
of dragonflies.
Dave Goddard
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