The Metalwing Demoiselles of the Eastern Tropics (Their Identification and Biology)
By Albert G. Orr and Matti Hamalainen – (2007)
115 pages; matt art paper, 45 colour photos, 47 colour illustrations, 18 monochrome photos, 53 monochrome illustrations, 3 maps, 2 molecular tables and 1 graph.
Hard Cover: 26.2cm x 19cm.
ISBN: 983-812-123-1
Natural History Publications (Borneo) Kota Kinabalu
This is a fine book production, which is not only an illustrated guide but a monographic treatment of the two rather colourful, florescent winged damselfly genera Matronoides and Neurobasis of Asia. They are part of the family Calopterygidae distributed in many of the tropical regions worldwide. These particular damsels dealt with here standalone due to the highly visual metallic iridescence of the male hind wings which are advertised in a flashing or clapping manner to territorially warn intruding males or to court and signal potentially respondent females.
The opening pages deal with discovery, history and those whom originally worked on and established the order Odonata, classification, generic characters and limits, the subgenera and a checklist of the single Matronoides and 13 species of Neurobasis.
Each species is comprehensively treated with scientific and common names, author where and when published, type location and data, synonymous names if any, distribution, distinguishing features and physical description, habitat notes and geographic variation. Each species is illustrated with excellent technical colour illustrations and many have few to numerous accompanying nice colour photos of the species themselves including in the ‘wheel’, territorial displays and habitat shots.
One thing I really like about this book besides being wonderfully illustrated and informative throughout is the final chapter of the book dealing with the chemical makeup and structure that constitute the amazing iridescence of the male hind wings of this group known as ‘Metalwings’.
“The Metalwing Demoiselles of the Eastern Tropics” makes an excellent addition to the literature of the Odonata and wonderfully illustrates further, the amazing diversity of not just the damselflies but also of our natural world in general and contributes to amplify the urgent need to ensure the conservation and protection of our remaining forests.
Rod Rice
Principal Reviewer
Nature & Travel Books