The Complete Insect

A beautifully illustrated exploration of the world’s most extraordinary animals With an astounding 3.5 million species occupying virtually every habitat on Earth, insects are one of the most diverse groups of animals on the planet, from the humble bee to the agile praying mantis. Taking you inside the extraordinary world of insects, The Complete Insect explores all aspects of the natural history of these remarkable creatures, providing a close-up look at their fascinating anatomy, physiology, evolution, ecology, behavior, and more. It features hundreds of stunning color photographs and illustrations and draws on a broad range of examples, from familiar ants to iridescent jewel beetles. A celebration of the rich complexity of insect life, The Complete Insect is a must-have book for insect enthusiasts and armchair naturalists. An absorbing, wide-ranging, and beautiful exploration of the fascinating natural history of insects Features a wealth of stunning full-color photographs from the field Includes photomicrographs and electron micrographs that offer a rare view of normally invisible structures Examines the complex relationship between humans and insects Integrates physiological adaptations with ecology and behavior

From the publisher. This beautifully illustrated book provides an overview of the world of insects. The encyclopedia of insect species is organized according to geographical region and then by insect order.

Texts and photographs look at over four hundred insects.

Head-to-head combat! Astounding weapons! Extraordinary skills! Within the pages of this book, 18 awesomely real superheroes and supervillains come to life, each possessing powers far beyond the average insect. Meet the Malevolent Mimic, who wickedly disguises itself as a harmless pink orchid, only to shred unsuspecting butterflies! Or the Great Glue Shooter, who can shoot a smelly glue—from its face! Award-winning nonfiction author Kate Messner teams up with the talented Jillian Nickell in this action-packed exploration of the incredible insect abilities found in the natural world.

Awarded Best Reference by the New York Public Library (2004), Outstanding Academic Title by CHOICE (2003), and AAP/PSP 2003 Best Single Volume Reference/Sciences by Association of American Publishers' Professional Scholarly Publishing Division, the first edition of Encyclopedia of Insects was acclaimed as the most comprehensive work devoted to insects. Covering all aspects of insect anatomy, physiology, evolution, behavior, reproduction, ecology, and disease, as well as issues of exploitation, conservation, and management, this book sets the standard in entomology. The second edition of this reference will continue the tradition by providing the most comprehensive, useful, and up-to-date resource for professionals. Expanded sections in forensic entomology, biotechnology and Drosphila, reflect the full update of over 300 topics. Articles contributed by over 260 high profile and internationally recognized entomologists provide definitive facts regarding all insects from ants, beetles, and butterflies to yellow jackets, zoraptera, and zygentoma. * 66% NEW and revised content by over 200 international experts * New chapters on Bedbugs, Ekbom Syndrome, Human History, Genomics, Vinegaroons * Expanded sections on insect-human interactions, genomics, biotechnology, and ecology * Each of the 273 articles updated to reflect the advances which have taken place in entomology research since the previous edition * Features 1,000 full-color photographs, figures and tables * A full glossary, 1,700 cross-references, 3,000 bibliographic entries, and online access save research time * Updated with online access

A visual directory featuring every order of the insect world, with a natural history introduction.

Discover the insects of the world! Earth’s creepy crawlies may be small but they are far from boring! Learn how they contribute to life on the planet, where they live, what they eat, how their bodies work and what makes them so special. This beautifully illustrated bug book for kids for ages 7-9 is packed with: • Fascinating information about bugs that supports and goes beyond the curriculum • Stories and facts to convey the amazing world of creepy-crawlies • Facts and information, with detailed illustrations and photographs of insects, spiders, molluscs and more • Compelling text written by insect expert, author and television presenter Jess French • Stunning photographs of individual creatures, from beetles to butterflies Take a magical journey through the forest floor, down into the deepest caves and even across the open ocean. The Book of Brilliant Bugs, written by insect expert Jess French, takes children on an expedition into the bug kingdom. The insect book is filled with fascinating facts about these little animals, how bugs pass on messages, compete for food, seek true love and fill the air with buzzing wings. It also shows how bugs help look after our planet and how we can help them. Young animal enthusiasts can spot and learn all the main bug groups. From worms, snails, millipedes and centipedes, spiders and scorpions, woodlice, bees and even bugs that glow! This educational natural science book will encourage children to love and appreciate science and nature.

Australia has a rich diversity of phasmids – otherwise known as stick and leaf insects. Most of them are endemic, few have been studied and new species continue to be found. Stick insects are, by far, Australia’s longest insects – some of them reach up to 300 mm in body length, or more than half a metre if you include their outstretched legs. Many stick insects are very colourful, and some have quite elaborate, defensive behaviour. Increasingly they are being kept as pets. This is the first book on Australian phasmids for nearly 200 years and covers all known stick and leaf insects. It includes photographs of all species, notes on their ecology and biology as well as identification keys suitable for novices or professionals.