Gavin Broad Livres

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.

Interesting Insects presents striking and surprisingly photogenic insect portraits, each specially selected from the oldest and most important entomology collection in the world - 34 million specimens held by London's Natural History Museum.

A richly illustrated guide to wasps around the world Wasps have been around since before the dinosaurs and are one of the world's largest insect groups. More than 150,000 species have been identified, and while the black-and-yellow insect with a cinched waist may be the most familiar, most wasps are tiny parasitoids that use other insects for food. Wasps of the World provides a breathtaking look at the diverse characteristics, habitats, and lifestyles of these extraordinary insects. Features more than 250 stunning color photos of numerous species Profiles more than 100 families, with absorbing commentary detailing the range, habits, and notable features of members of each family Every profile includes a distribution map and a table of essential facts about size, diet, reproduction, and habitats Discusses the evolution and biology of wasps, exploring the vital role they play in supporting healthy ecosystems Shows how scientific research is expanding our knowledge about wasps and their behavior