Anisoptera, the first of two volumes on the Odonata in the series
Encyclopedia of South American Aquatic Insects, encompasses the large
dragonfly species. A brief review of the biology of the group includes
illustrations of the main morphological features and explanations of
alternative systems for naming the wing veins and other structures. The
review is followed by keys to facilitating identification of the adult
dragonflies and the known larvae, allowing readers a high probability of
identifying specimens correctly. In addition to anatomical features, the
keys include the known ranges of the species, synonyms, and citations of
literature in which more information about each individual species can
be obtained. These citations are compiled in an extensive bibliography.
To provide the user with the best possible opportunity for
distinguishing the species, the keys are richly illustrated with pen and
ink drawings of thousands of individual morphological structures,
arranged in 797 figures.