Posted by Nikita Vikhrev on 04-03-2021 10:38
#2
I wrote a preface to the book. Below is English translation of it and a post scriptum.
Foreword
It is believed that the number of insect species is measured in millions, that a significant part of them is unknown to science - and will never be known due to the destruction of natural tropical communities which will cause them become extinct before they are described. The above applies mainly to the inhabitants of the low latitudes coddled by the sun, whereas the nature of our northern homeland is distinguished by a moderate climate and even certain asceticism.
Our forests, swamps and even steppes are well protected from destruction by their vastness and relatively sparse population so far. Moreover, not so many insects agree to share the severity of the local climate with the Russians. Nevertheless, in the group with which I work (Diptera: flies and mosquitoes), the number of unknown species turns out to be almost the same as the known ones, even in our country. Thus making a simple list of species for literally any territory means you will still encounter unresolved problems of taxonomy. Inevitably, you begin to feel a slight envy of the researchers who study the few groups of well-known insects of large sizes and bright colors - for example, dragonflies - which any school child could easily identify. This however has remained a problem up until now because of the lack of accessible, understandable and vivid literature in our country just as the insects are themselves. There is a feeling that the wait for such a book just about dragonflies is finally over.
Two dragonfly-obsessed naturalists from the European and Asian parts of the country presented the book "Dragonflies of Russia", which covers the entire fauna of Russia from the Barents Sea to the Sea of Japan. Both authors are serious odonatologists and you can read without the fear of being misled. In the modern world, such tranquility is worth its weight in gold.
Personally, I've always really liked dragonflies. Their deep antiquity inspires respect, perfect flying qualities and, finally, beauty – it is impossible to disagree with this after looking at numerous illustrations in this book! Dragonflies - a small order of quite thermophilic insects, therefore we have only 156 of their species. Nevertheless, the book turned out to be rather large - because the authors reflected on it their vast experience obtained in countless expeditions around our country, and summarized all of the knowledge accumulated before them. Russia has long lacked such a complete book about dragonflies.
Nikita Vikhrev
P.S.
Why a European reader may be interested in a book on Russian dragonflies?
1. Most of the vast territory of Russia is inhabited by the same dragonfly species as in Europe.
Needless to say that half of Europe is in Russia. It is impossible to compile a clear notion on European species neglecting Russia.
2. Modern scanning, recognition and translation tools allow a reader to easily read a text in any language.
3. Many books are published on European dragonflies but few or none on those of North, East and Central Asia.
4. "Dragonflies of Russia" is actually an encyclopedy: almost 500 pages, more than 1,000 photos.
For each species, short description of males, females and young individuals, differences from close species, information on habitats, habits, phenology and distribution are provided.