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Dragonflies are a group of insects classified in the order Odanata, subclass Anisoptera. Ironically found around bodies of water, and spending the egg and nymph stages of their life cycle in water, these beautiful insects are masters of flight. Dragonflies are capable of beating their wings, which can each rotate on its own axis, an average of 35 times per second. The maneuverability, speed, and flight capabilities (coupled with the strongest vision adaptations in the insect world) provide dragonflies to be efficient hunters of prey. Dragonfly nymphs are even known to be efficient enough to bite mosquitoes which helps control populations of mosquitoes and other biting insects. |
Spineless As insects dragonflies fall within the larger category of animals known as invertebrates, named so because they lack a backbone or bony skeleton. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is a science-based non-profit organization that focuses on the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. While the importance of conservation of invertebrate pollinators is increasingly recognized, dragonflies and other beneficial insects also play an important role in the environment and merit conservation efforts. The Xerces Society is a partner in a one such conservation effort.
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Citizen Science Migratory Dragonfly Partnership currently facilitates two long-term citizen science projects designed to increase our knowledge about North America’s five main migratory dragonfly species. In the Dragonfly Pond Watch Projectparticipants visit the same pond or wetland regularly throughout the year and note the presence, emergence, and behaviors of these species.
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A Dazzle of Dragonflies
by Forrest Lee Mitchell
From fossils and folklore, to life cycles and the latest in digital imaging techniques, A Dazzle of Dragonflies will take you into the far-reaching and sometimes secret world of one of our most beneficial insects. The book guides are two of the most experienced and ardent fans of the “mosquitohawk,” and your journey will include encounters with poets and prehistoric giants; peeks into hidden, watery universes; side trips to garden ponds and scientific laboratories; and much more.
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Dragonflies
by Cynthia Berger
Dazzling in appearance, idiosyncratic in behavior, dragonflies and damselflies have long captured the imaginations of nature lovers. In this illustrated natural history guide, Cynthia Berger takes the reader on a whirlwind trip through the lives of these intriguing insects, from their birth underwater (where they actually spend most of their lives as ferocious nymphs) to their miraculous transformation into free-flying adults. Features a field guide to the most common North American species--including life-size silhouettes for easy identification--as well as tips for observing dragonflies in the wild and attracting them to your backyard.
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Dragonflies : Magnificent Creatures of Water, Air, and Land
by Pieter van Dokkum
Almost without our noticing, dragonflies dart through our world, flying, seeing, hunting, mating. Their lives are as mysterious as their gossamer wings are beautiful. In this book Pieter van Dokkum reveals many of the dragonfly’s secrets, capturing the stages of this striking insect’s life cycle in unprecedented close-up photographs. He documents scenes of dragonfly activity seldom witnessed and rarely photographed ...
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Dragonflies of Texas : a field guide
by John C. Abbott
Texas hosts 160 species of dragonflies, nearly half of the 327 species known in North America, making the state a particularly good place to observe dragonflies in their natural habitats. Dragonflies of Texas is the definitive field guide to these insects. It covers all 160 species with in situ photographs and detailed anatomical images as needed. Each species is given a two-page spread that includes photographs of both sexes and known variations when possible, key features, a distribution map, identification, discussion of similar species, status in Texas, habitat, seasonality, and general comments. . In addition to the species accounts, John Abbott discusses dragonfly anatomy, life history, conservation, names, and photography.
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Business & Technology Division,Dallas Public Library 1515 Young St., 5th Floor Dallas, Texas 75201 214-670-1400www.dallaslibrary.org |
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