Includes bibliographical references (pages 118-124).

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 "mini-field guide" to the most common North American species--including life-sized silhouettes for easy identification--as well as tips for observing dragonflies in the wild and attracting them to your backyard.