Introduction to Dragonflies and Damselflies, Second Edition

In this introductory chapter, the book’s editors set the stage for the second edition of the book by reviewing publication rates in odonatology over the preceding eighty years and looking at trends in odonate research publications by decade over that time period. These topics have ranged from primary studies in taxonomy, life history, and distribution, to studies on ecology, behavior, sexual selection, and most recently to topics such as phylogenetics, macro-ecology, environmental change, and conservation. The editors then address how this new second edition differs in structure and breadth from the first edition of the book (published in 2008), reviewing each of the six sections and 28 subject chapters. The editors also thank the large number of chapter authors and reviewers, without whom this book would not be possible.