Links and Bibliography
Although there are many sites on the web with links to pages relating to dragonflies, few of them concentrate on British and European links. So that is what I am providing here. If you have a web page that has information relating to British dragonflies and would like a link to appear here please email me (my address is at the bottom of the page).
There are several useful books about British and European dragonflies. I have been asked to recommend reading several times. Here is a bibliography which may satisfy this demand.
Britain and Ireland
Europe
Rest of the World!
Corbet, Philip S., Dragonflies, Behaviour and Ecology of Odonata, 1999 (Harley Books).
This is the book for people seriously interested in studying dragonflies.in it, the author provides a critical review of published and unpublished works relating to the behaviour and ecology of Odonata. It is without doubt the most comprehensive work about dragonflies available. Highly recommended.
Silsby, Jill, Dragonflies of the world, 2001 (Natural History Museum).
The first book to cover Odonata worldwide. At least one species is described from each of the 73 sub-families of dragonflies. There are many good photos and contributions from guest authors such as Georg Rüppell and Norman Moore.
Lucas, M. Jill, Spinning Jenny and Devil's Darning Needle, 2002 (M. Jill Lucas).
A book about dragonflies and damselflies and their cultural association with man. There are chapters on Folklore, Literature, Art and Religion amongst others.
Askew, R. R., The Dragonflies of Europe, 1988 (Harley Books).
This large format, hardback book is the most comprehensive book available on European Odonata.
If was written and illustrated by Richard Askew who is Reader in Entomology at the University of Manchester.
The illustrations are excellent and the descriptions, maps and keys are well researched and informative. Highly recommended.
Gibbons, R. B., Dragonflies and Damselflies of Britain and Northern Europe, 1986 (Country Life Books).
A handbook sized field guide illustrated with photographs and describing over 75 British and European species.
All the British species are shown and there is accompanying descriptive text but no distribution maps.
Brooks, S., ill. by Lewington, R., Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland, 1997 (British Wildlife Publishing)
The latest (and currently greatest) field guide to the British species. Wonderfully illustrated with comprehensive descriptive notes written by contributors with expert knowledge of each individual species. There is also an introductory section covering life history, distribution, dragonfly habitats and dragonflies and the law, followed by twenty pages of regional guides to help enthusiasts find new sites to watch dragonflies. Very strongly recommended.
Powell, Dan, A Guide to the Dragonflies of Great Britain, 1999 (Arlequin Press)
A complementary field guide to the preceding one. This is illustrated with Dan Powell's own artwork showing the insects in lifelike postures. Great for getting the "jizz".
Hammond, C. O., The Dragonflies of Great Britain and Ireland, 1983 (Harley Books)
A painstakingly illustrated and scholarly work on all species found in Britain and Ireland including several of those now considered extinct. There are also good keys and distribution maps.
McGeeney, Andrew, British Dragonflies, 1986 (Jonathan Cape)
An excellent book covering all British species with many good photographs. Also keys to adults and larvae.
Merritt, R., Moore, N. W. & Eversham, B. C., Atlas of the Dragonflies of Britain and Ireland, 1996 (HMSO)
Comprehensive distribution maps, notes on identification, flight period and status for each species together with several photographs.
Averill, Mike, The Dragonflies of Worcestershire, 1996
Fully illustrated with colour photographs, has distribution maps and comes with details of the best places to see dragonflies in the county. It is available from Mike Averill, 49 James Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 2TR, price £10 plus £1 p&p (in the UK).
Cham, Stephen, Bedfordshire Dragonflies - A Provisional Atlas of the Dragonflies of Bedfordshire, 1990 (Bedford Museum)
This work describes the distribution and flight period of 24 species recorded from Bedfordshire.
Gabb, R. & Kitching, D., The Dragonflies and Damselflies of Cheshire 1992 (National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside)
Each of the species recorded from Cheshire is illustrated and field notes and status and distribution notes are given. There are also distribution maps and flight period details. Some photos.
Mendel, H., Suffolk Dragonflies 1992 (Suffolk Naturalists' Society)
Detailed hardback book describing all species found in Suffolk. Excellent photos and distribution maps.
