A fascinating hobby is gaining ground among naturalists around the world in recent times. It is all about watching dragonflies and damselflies. These insects are collectively called ‘Odonates' by scientists. So, like butterfly watching and birding, a new interest is catching up: odonate watching, or ‘oding'.
Acrobat of the paddy fields :A Long-legged Marsh Glider (Trithemis pallidinervis).
Useful insects
Jewel of the hill streams : Brilliant wing patterns of the male Stream Ruby (Rhinocypha bisignata) damselfly attracts mates and deters competitors.
Peculiar lifestyles
Odonates lay their eggs in the water, damp soil and aquatic plants. The larvae live under water stalking aquatic prey, whereas the winged adults are skilled predators catching insects in the air. Dragonflies tend to prefer open areas as well as near water and perch with wings held open, whereas damselflies are frequently seen along streams sitting with wings held over their backs.
Observing odonates
Beautiful red :Ruddy Marsh Skimmer (Crocothemis servilia).
Ruddy Marsh Skimmer (Crocothemis servilia)
Dragonflies of India - A Field Guide by K.A. Subramanian is the first photographic guide to the Indian Odonates. Of the 536 species and subspecies of Indian odonates, 111 of them were described with English common names of the Indian dragonflies and damselflies for the first time. This book is published by Vigyan Prasar, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India and is available as an e-book from their website ( http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in/digilib/Showmetaxml.aspx?BookID=364). The book costs Rs. 125.
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