Natural History of Insects: A Guide to the World of Arthropods, Covering Many Insect Orders, Including Beetles, Flies, Stick Insects, Dragonflies, Ants and Wasps, as Well as Microscopic Creatures - Softcover

This title offers a guide to the world of arthropods, covering many insect orders, including beetles, flies, stick insects, dragonflies, ants and wasps, as well as microscopic creatures. It provides a fascinating overview of insects and spiders, including their habitats and classification, all shown in over 195 beautiful photographs and illustrations. All aspects of insect life are covered, such as the way insects defend themselves and how they are able to jump, leap and fly. It describes cryptic coloration, and the way insects can use camouflage to blend into their background and escape attack from predators. It offers various methods of feeding are discussed, from biting and chewing to lapping, sucking, piercing and filter feeding, according to their different mouthparts. It outlines their useful role in pollination of crops, production of honey, and removing insect pests. In the arthropoda phylum, insects are one of the most successful species, and spiders are one of the largest groups. This book studies how they organize their lives. The first section provides information of every aspect of insect life: evolution, anatomy, life cycles, flight and social organization. The last section describes the 30 orders within the class Insecta, demonstrating the huge variety of insects, from microscopic creatures to giant stick insects and large beetles. Typical features of insects in each order are highlighted. With expert text, illustrations and clear photographs, this guide will be enjoyed by all who take an interest in natural history.

Martin Walters is a writer, editor and naturalist. He studied zoology at Oxford University, and worked as a biological sciences editor at Cambridge University Press. He was responsible for developing the botany, ecology and natural history lists, before becoming a freelance editor and writer. He is a keen field naturalist, with a special interest in botany, bird habitats and conservation. Martin has published many books including field guides to birds and flowers, as well as nature reference titles.