Dragonflies of Texas : : A Field Guide / / John C. Abbott.

• Superior document: Title is part of eBook package: De Gruyter University of Texas Press Complete eBook-Package 2014-2015
• VerfasserIn: Abbott, John C.,
• Place / Publishing House: Austin : : University of Texas Press, , [2021]; ©2015
• Year of Publication: 2021
• Language: English
• Series: Texas Natural History Guides
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (466 p.)

Dragonflies and damselflies (together known as Odonata) are among the most remarkably distinctive insects in their appearance and biology, and they have become some of the most popular creatures sought by avocational naturalists. 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. Many of the groups also have comparative plates that show anatomically distinctive characteristics. In addition to the species accounts, John Abbott discusses dragonfly anatomy, life history, conservation, names, and photography. He also provides information on species that may eventually be discovered in Texas, state and global conservation rankings, seasonality of all species in chronological order, and additional resources and publications on the identification of dragonflies.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter -- CONTENTS -- PREFACE -- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS -- INTRODUCTION -- What Is a Dragonfly? -- Dragonfly Anatomy -- Life History of Dragonflies -- SPECIES ACCOUNTS -- Petaltails -- Darners -- Clubtails -- Spiketails -- Cruisers -- Emeralds -- Skimmers -- APPENDIX A. Species That May Eventually Occur in Texas -- APPENDIX B. Conservation Status Ranks for Texas Dragonflies -- APPENDIX C. Seasonality of Texas Dragonflies -- APPENDIX D. Dragonfly Publications and Resources -- GLOSSARY -- REFERENCES -- PHOTOGRAPHER CREDITS -- INDEX OF COMMON NAMES -- INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES