Fascinating Insects

Stunning photographic guide to bugs, from the beautiful to the bizarre and every bug in between Smithsonian Handbook of Interesting Insects presents striking photographic profiles of insects, each one specially selected from the 34 million specimens found in one of the oldest and most important entomology collection in the world, held by London's Natural History Museum. The book showcases more than one hundred significant bug species, including the ruby-tailed wasp, the garden tiger moth, the jewel beetle, the flying stick insect, the orchid bee, and many others. Magnificent full-color photographs show the bugs in detail, so that readers can learn to distinguish, for example, the translucent abdomen of the great pied hoverfly from the yellow or orange markings on a giant scoliid wasp. Each detailed and dazzling photograph is accompanied by a caption describing the bug's lifestyle, distribution, size, and key characteristics. An insightful introduction also explores the different orders and families found in the insect classes and an explanation of how they have evolved. Based on the most up-to-date science and accessibly written, the book will appeal to scientists and amateur science readers alike.

This book highlights the very successful and much diversified group of organisms, the insects, and deals with some interesting aspects of insect life, which are often ignored in entomology textbooks. There are chapters on ants making "slaves;" insect migrations; chemical defence strategies; parental care and love; AIDS and insects; killer bees; and intelligence. The book also includes first-hand experiences of the great traveller-naturalist Prof. P. Jolivet, who narrates the re-emergence of the 17-year-cycle cicada in the USA in May 2004; the occurrence of insects on the great tepuys of Venezuela; marching of army ants in the tropical Africa; and much more. Pierre Jolivet, D. Sc., has written many research papers and books on the beetle family Chrysomelidae. His areas of special interest include the biology of Timarcha, food plants of chrysomelids, and ants-plants relationship. He has co-edited four important books on Chrysomelidae: Biology of Chrysomelidae (1988), Novel Aspects of the Biology of Chrysomelidae (1994), Chrysomelidae Biology, in three volumes (1996), and New Developments in the Biology of Chrysomelidae (2004). In recognition of Dr Jolivet's valuable contribution in the subject, the Fifth International Symposium on Chrysomelidae, held in Aug. 2000 in Brazil, was named after him. K.K. Verma, M. Sc., Ph. D., taught zoology and entomology for over 35 years, both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in M.P. Government Colleges, India. He has also specialized in the functional morphology and physiology of Chrysomelidae. He has to his credit a number of outstanding papers published in both Indian and international journals. In 2002, he co-authored a book, Biology of Leaf Beetles, summarizing the current knowledge about leaf beetles. This appropriately illustrated, eclectic volume of short essays, written with enthusiasm, grace and wit by two knowledgeable, broadly experienced insect scientists, will assist the entomologically uninitiated to appreciate the wonders and complexity of the small creatures whose environment humans inhabit, and will expand the horizons of the initiated with refreshing and useful insights into a wide variety of entomological topics. George E. Ball, entomologist, professor emeritus, University of Alberta, Canada This book is written with panache, highlighting the extraordinary adaptations shown by insects. People will eventually awaken to the amazing insect biodiversity that surrounds us. With this book, we are encouraged to follow a fascinating journey of discovery into the world of insects. Christian Mille, entomologist, Institut Agronomique neo-Caledonien, La Foa, Nouvelle-Caledonie This original and unusual book on truly fascinating creatures, not casually dedicated to Jean-Henry Fabre, is not a handbook for identification of insects, or an "official" text of entomology. It is a travel guide -- reflecting the journeys and experiences of the authors throughout the world -- into different aspects of the life of the most diverse extant group of organisms ... I would recommend this book both to students and nature lovers who would find in it much to learn about insects, as well as to professionals. Achille Casale, professor of zoology and entomology, University of Sassari, Italy Fascinating as Fabre's Souvenirs Entomologiques, but here, they are real life-experiences under the tropics, incredible but true, related with talent. Yves Delange, professor of botany, National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France

HowExpert Guide to Insects is your gateway to over 100 of the world's most interesting and fascinating insects. This guide, organized alphabetically, is a great go-to read for fun or to sharpen your trivia knowledge. Many different kinds of insects are covered, and you'll get to know why each one made the list. 101 insects from Alderflies to Zorapterans are just waiting for you to find out more! You'll learn about insects that mimic flowers, insects that can spit acid, and even insects that clone themselves. Within the guide, you'll also find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, including whether or not you can tell an insect is dangerous just by looking at it and just how many insects are in the world compared to humans. The guide also includes a run-down of the top 10 most interesting facts about insects. How long have insects been on the planet? Do they have ears to hear with? Do they breathe out of their mouths? Find out in the countdown! Whether you're a bug expert or just getting started, this guide will have something for you! HowExpert Guide to Insects includes: - Entries on 101 of the most interesting insects in the world, arranged from A to Z, each with info on what makes them special - Bonus entries for honorable mentions - A list of FAQs along with their answers - A countdown of the top 10 most interesting insect facts Check out HowExpert Guide to Insects today! About the Expert Clinton W. Waters is a freelance writer and bug aficionado. He has written fiction books, including Futures Gleaming Darkly and Dreams Fading Brightly. These are short story anthologies that feature sci-fi and fantasy stories, some of which feature the insects from the books' covers! When not writing or working, Clinton is reading about, drawing, or trying to find bugs to add to his collection. Clinton is a graduate of Western Kentucky University with a degree in creative writing. He lives in Bowling Green, KY, with his boyfriend (who also loves bugs) and their husky Ghost (who is not as big of a bug fan). HowExpert publishes quick 'how to' guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.

This is the perfect introduction to the largest animal group on Earth for all budding entomologists. Each topic is presented in a neat 30-second soundbite, supported by a 3-second flash summary and a full-page colorful artwork. Fun active missions support the topics and encourage kids to find out more. With stunning artwork, the attention-grabbing format is engaging and immediate, introducing readers aged from 8 up to the wonderful world of bugs.

Step into the incredible lives of insects in this dynamic book that shows that no creature is too small to be amazing. The fabulous diversity of the tiny animal kingdom is on full display in this beautifully designed book featuring some of the most interesting insects on earth. See how amazing insects truly are! They can be as small as a grain of sand, or bigger than the palm of your hand. Some fly miles to find the right mate and others lie still for years underground. A unique design and limited color palette evoke a hand-printed book that highlights the compelling and kid-friendly information, including habits, habitats, maps, and a glossary, in these truly one-of-a-kind books.