INTRODUCTION I hope this booklet will serve two purposes. Firstly, it is aimed at readers who are interested in natural history, but do not have any specialist knowledge of dragonflies. For these readers I hope the booklet will stimulate their further interest in these beautiful and fascinating insects. Secondly, the book aims to communicate the results of a recent survey of the dragonflies of Essex to all those with a practical interest in conservation in our county. The information gathered in the course of this survey should result in a wider appreciation of the habitat requirements of dragonflies and so contribute to the protection of our remaining species. Ted Benton November 1987 4