Britain's
Dragonflies: A field guide to the damselflies and dragonflies of Britain and
Ireland
Third Edition, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-691-16123-5
Dave Smallshire and Andy Swash
Published by Princeton University Press, Woodstock,
Oxfordshire.
Production and design by WILDGuides Ltd., Old
Basing, Hampshire.
I was
extremely pleased to receive my review copy of this latest, third edition, of Britain's Dragonflies: A field guide to the
damselflies and dragonflies of Britain and Ireland. The Odonata
are a group that I have personally not had a great deal of experience but one
that I have tentatively been meaning to investigate further. My initial
reaction, is that this extremely well planned, comprehensive guide, may well be
the excuse I have been waiting for.
The book
clearly focuses on the ‘key features’ identification of 63 different species –
and this it appears to do well. This includes 56 resident, migrant and former
breeding species and, a touch I particularly liked, the inclusion of 7 potential
vagrants. Detailed species profiles, complete with stunning images and useable
identification charts, deliver concise information on identification, behavior,
breeding habitats, population and conservation. I particularly liked, as a
newbie to the world of dragons and damsels, the brief ‘where to look’, ‘look-alikes’,
and ‘observation tips’ section at the bottom of each page. For those already with
more experience, or wishing to probe deeper into their fascinating aquatic
world, a section on the identification of larvae and exuviae is also
included.
As a desktop reference guide it is clear and concise. As a ‘use in the field’ reference guide it is portable and perfectly designed. My copy came with a protective plastic cover, though I’m not sure if this is standard on all copies but a nice touch nevertheless. A5 in format it conveniently fits the pocket.
Recommended? Absolutely; I can’t wait to go and try it out …
