New dragonfly guide in Estonian language was published

There are 57 dragonfly species in Estonia and most probably global warming will bring us two more in the near future. All these are thoroughly handled in the new key-book to dragonflies, compiled by Dr. Mati Martin – entomologist from Tartu University. He reveals that, in fact, we are facing formidable lack of insect key-books in general. This one was implemented by a project with EU financial support.  

The front cover

Back in the 1960-ies – when the previous dragonflies key-book was compiled - only 53-54 species were known here. Now we have several new species and more are surely to come, but these old books are simply worn out. The new voluminous key-book includes many high quality colour photographs and drawings,  to help identify all existing 57 species and the 2 possible newcomers.

Page 82. Spearhead Bluet, Northern Damselfly

Dr. Martin claims that the high number of dragonflies is referring directly to the favourable conditions of our water-bodies. „This enables the dragonflies and other water insects to thrive here. On the other hand, the invasion of new species seems to be a generalized and global process. Once in a while some species distribute further North from their principal area borders“ says Dr. Martin and names Yellow-Spotted Whiteface as a typical example, as its abundance has increased 200% comparing to the situation 10 years ago. The reasons for this process are still unclear.

The key-book of the dragonflies of Estonia was published as a part of a LIFE project DRAGONLIFE. This key-book is distributed only to libraries, schools, special interest societies and hobby groups. Project manager Voldemar Rannap says that there is an immediate need of key-books for different species groups as well, but this is the goal of subsequent projects. Another part of the same LIFE-project was a key-book to amphibians.

„The project is focusing on two species connected with small water-bodies - Common Spadefoot and Yellow-Spotted Whiteface. These are the designated species of the project. We are already cleaning some small water-bodies and constructing new ones,“ said Riinu Rannap, the project expert from Tartu University.  „Small water-bodies are really crucial habitats for the reproduction of dragonflies and amphibians.“

The key-book is planned to be published in 'smart version' as well to match the needs of the younger generation.