Field Guide to the Larvae and Exuviae of British Dragonflies: Damselflies (Zygoptera) v. 2

Part of a series by the British Dragonfly Society, is a specialized resource for identifying damselfly larvae and exuviae in Britain. Originally published as Volume 2 in 2009, it has since been combined with Volume 1 on dragonflies (2007) into a single updated edition in 2012. The guide covers all damselfly species (Zygoptera) found in Great Britain and Ireland, focusing on their larval stages and exuviae—the shed skins left after emergence.

The book takes a practical approach, avoiding complex dichotomous keys and instead using over 800 high-quality color photographs to highlight key distinguishing features of larvae and exuviae. It includes details on where to find these life stages, their emergence periods, and habitat preferences, such as ponds, rivers, and bogs. The updated edition adds two new species—Dainty Damselfly (Coenagrion scitulum) and Southern Migrant Hawker (Aeshna affinis)—and a new appendix for Willow Emerald (Lestes viridis), detailing additional exuvial features and oviposition scars. Revisions to the text maintain consistency with earlier formats.

This guide is invaluable for entomologists and conservationists, as identifying larvae is crucial for mapping breeding sites and protecting habitats, especially amid changing distributions potentially linked to climate shifts. However, its focus on visual identification without keys might challenge beginners, and some users have noted minor printing errors in early editions (later corrected online). It complements broader works like the Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe by Dijkstra and Lewington, but its specialized focus makes it essential for those studying Odonata life cycles in the region.