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Dragonflies of Europe, the Mediterranean & the Caucasus

Expert Tours | Citizen Science | Species Identification

Our Mission

"We believe that a passion for nature and scientific research go hand in hand. Odonata: Europe & Beyond is a platform dedicated to bringing together photographers, naturalists, and scientists to document and protect dragonflies in Europe and closest regions."

Explore & Identify

Discover the species of Europe and its neighboring regions. From diagnostic morphological features to precise distribution maps, we provide the tools you need to identify Odonata across these territories.

Record & Contribute

Your sightings matter. Help us map dragonfly distributions through our Citizen Science portal.

Guided Expeditions

Experience the thrill of finding rare species in their natural habitats. Our specialized tours are designed for photographers and naturalists who seek expert guidance and unique regional endemics.

Our Biogeographical Focus

This map serves as a comprehensive visual guide to the territories covered by the Odonata: Europe & Beyond project. While our scope encompasses the entire European continent, we place a strategic emphasis on the ecological crossroads of the Mediterranean basin, the Anatolian peninsula, and the rugged highlands of the Caucasus.

Our project boundaries largely align with the Western Palearctic region. However, please note that certain territories in North Africa and parts of the Middle East are currently excluded from our primary focus. This is due to limited accessibility and the significant logistical and safety challenges of conducting field research on Odonata in these specific areas.

Our Core Objectives

Our work is driven by a clear mission: to document rare endemic species and fill critical data gaps in some of the most under-explored territories of the region. By turning "blank spots" into verified records, we help monitor the impacts of climate change and habitat loss on dragonfly distributions. Through our expeditions, we bridge the gap between high-level scientific research and the passion of the global naturalist community.

New Horizons: Recently Added Expeditions

Be the first to explore these newly mapped territories.

Eastern Anatolia: The Mesopotamian Bridge

Searching for the Rare Jewels of Anatolia

Duration: 12 Days

Route: Trabzon – Mt. Ararat – Lake Van – Göbekli Tepe – Adana

The Expedition: Embark on a unique 12-day journey across the wild heart of Eastern Turkey. Starting from the lush forests of Trabzon, we traverse the majestic slopes of Mount Ararat and the vast soda waters of Lake Van, eventually reaching the ancient plains of Upper Mesopotamia. Along the way, we visit Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known temple, blending deep history with world-class nature observation.

Dragonfly Highlights: Our target list includes over 30 specialized species characteristic of the Middle East.

Sicily: The Mediterranean Crossroads

Where European and African Faunas Meet

Duration: 10 Days

Route: Syracuse – Castelvetrano – Tusa – Randazzo – Taormina

The Expedition: From the smoking craters of Mount Etna to the lush, spring-fed streams of the Nebrodi Mountains, this 10-day tour is a deep dive into the unique ecology of the largest Mediterranean island. We will explore a diverse range of habitats: high-altitude volcanic seeps, crystal-clear mountain rivers, and coastal brackish lagoons that host a fascinating mix of European and African species.

Dragonfly Highlights: Our 8-day expedition aims to observe around 50 dragonfly species, featuring a unique blend of Apennine and Iberian fauna alongside North African migrants and prized Sicilian endemics.

Wild Crete: The Island Spectre

Hunt for the Cretan Endemics

Duration: 7 Days

Route: Chania - Rethymno - Heraklion - Ieraptera

The Expedition: Isolated by the Mediterranean for millennia, Crete has developed a unique biogeography. This 7-day tour is a focused quest into the island's rugged gorges and hidden springs. We venture deep into landscapes unchanged since Minoan times to locate habitats that support life found nowhere else on Earth. While the focus is on the rarest prizes, the island’s southern location promises a checklist of over 40 species, heavily influenced by North African fauna.

Dragonfly Highlights: Our primary mission is to locate Crete's two endemic treasures. Cretan Spectre (Boyeria cretensis), and Cretan Bluet (Coenagrion intermedium).

Customer Favorites: Proven Adventures

Timeless Classics

Rhodes: The Asian Gateway of the Aegean

Mediterranean Comfort Meets Eastern Fauna

Duration: 8 Days

Key Feature: The only Greek outpost for several Asian species.

Why It's a Favorite: This tour is the perfect blend of effortless logistics and unique zoological discovery. Thanks to Rhodes' well-developed tourism, accessibility is easy and affordable. Yet, just beyond the famous beaches lies a biogeographical phenomenon. Rhodes is closer to Asia Minor than mainland Greece, making it a unique stepping stone for eastern species.

Dragonfly Highlights: While the island hosts a solid checklist of around 40 species, the real draw is that nearly a quarter of them are of Asian origin—species you cannot observe anywhere else together in Greece. Our main goal is to locate these eastern specialties that have crossed the sea, thriving in the island's springs and river valleys.

The Ultimate Bulgarian Odyssey

A Complete Cross-Section of Southeast Europe

Duration: 12 Days

Route: Danube Wetlands – Black Sea Coast – Strandzha – Rhodopes – Rila & Pirin Alpine Lakes

Why It's a Classic: This is our flagship expedition and the most comprehensive dragonfly tour in the Balkans. In 12 days, we execute a complete transect of Bulgarian habitats: from the massive riverine systems of the Danube and Srebarna Lake, through coastal lagoons and the ancient forests of Strandzha, to the high-altitude glacial lakes of Rila and Pirin mountains.

Dragonfly Highlights: With a massive target list of around 60 species, this tour offers the unique opportunity to observe four distinct Goldenring (Cordulegaster) species in a single trip. Other major targets include the stunning Odalisque (Epallage fatime) along southern rivers and the impressive Bladetail (Lindenia tetraphylla) near large coastal water bodies.

Sardinia: The Tyrrhenian Jewel

Ancient Island, Unique Fauna

Duration: 8 Days

Key Feature: Island endemism and distinct Western Mediterranean species.

Why It's a Favorite: Sardinia is a world apart. Its isolation has fostered a fauna with a distinct character, different even from nearby Italy. This tour is a journey into rugged, ancient landscapes—from granite mountains and cork oak forests to pristine coastal lagoons. It’s a favorite for those who appreciate the subtle differences island evolution creates.

Dragonfly Highlights: Sardinia offers a diverse checklist of over 35 species. Its unique geography makes it a crucial European outpost for several North African species, whose range on the continent is otherwise mostly limited to the Iberian Peninsula. We will explore wild rivers and coastal lagoons to locate these impressive southern migrants alongside key island endemics like the Island Bluetail (Ischnura genei) and Green Hooktail (Paragomphus genei).

The Expertise Factor

Guided by Science, Driven by Passion Our tours aren't just trips; they are deep dives into the world of Odonata. Led by professional entomologists, we don't just find dragonflies—we understand their ecology, behavior, and the delicate habitats they call home. For our scheduled expeditions, we partner with fully licensed and experienced wildlife tour operators to handle all logistics and legal compliance. We also offer bespoke private guiding and itinerary consultancy for independent travelers. Join a community of experts and enthusiasts where every discovery is shared and every species matters.