Book Review - Dragonflies and Damselflies of the World: A Guide to Their Diversity - Princeton University Press

 

     It was a distinct pleasure to receive a new volume on dragonflies and damselflies from Princeton University Press, authored by the renowned international expert Klaas-Douwe B. Dijkstra. 

     As Dijkstra points out, many birders have expanded their interest in recent years to odonates, (butterflies and moths too), a trend that received a boost during the enforced confinement imposed by COVID. 

     PUP has been in the forefront of recent works on these taxa, going back to Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East (Paulson) in 2018; Dragonflies and Damselflies: A Natural History (Paulson) in 2019; Europe's Dragonflies (Smallshire and Swash) in 2020; and Dragonflies of North America (Lam) in 2024. For these works I am extremely grateful. I use them often.

     Dijkstra adds to the scholarly output emanating from this pre-eminent press, in a period when new species are being discovered due to the surge in involvement of citizen scientists. Herein lies the key to expanded research and enhanced knowledge, in a world where centres of higher learning are often cash-strapped, thereby being unable to undertake the degree of research that is required. Dedicated amateurs, many possessing considerable skill, contribute in a major way to odonate research by uploading their photographs to platforms such as iNaturalist or Observation.org. Two of Dijkstra's coworkers, investigating odonates in their spare time, identified and described sixty-one new species from across Africa in 2015!

     As are all books of this nature these days, this volume is superbly illustrated. There are coloured photographs on every page, displaying dragonflies and damselflies in all their scintillating beauty.

     The introductory sections deal with the origins of Odonata, diversity, systematics and taxonomy, orders and suborders, habitat, and threats. 

     This information is followed by coverage of the families that comprise the world of dragonflies and damselflies, with pictures, pellucid text, range maps, and notes on diversity, habits and taxonomy, often with implications across species where suitable cross-refencing to appropriate pages is provided. I found this to be very helpful.

     A glossary, always a useful tool, is included, and suggestions for further research.

     Dijkstra recounts the delightful experience of discovering and naming a species to honour Sir David Attenborough on his 90th birthday. It is called Attenborough's Pintail (Acisoma attenboroughi).                                             Perhaps a discovery is out there waiting for you to elevate an admired associate to the starry realm of odenate nomenclature, too. If you're stuck for a name feel free to use mine!

     This book is a great addition to the literature. Rest assured it will be consulted often.

Dragonflies and Damselflies of the World: A Guide to Their Diversity - Princeton University Press

Klaas-Douwe B. Dijkstra

Hardcover - US$32.00 - ISBN: 9780691255033

256 pages - 6.75 x 9.5 inches (16.875 x 23.75 cm)

250 Colour illustrations

Publication date: 05 August, 2025