"Incorporating several newly identified species, this insect field guide provides single-page entries describing 500 of the world's reported one million recognized varieties. The detail of each full-color, highly magnified photograph is so stunning that, if you're not fond of bugs, it will doubtlessly incite your flight reflex. Nevertheless, the vivid photographic detail is essential to the book's scientific value: nothing is lost in creative translation.... Highly recommended for entomology collections."
--Library Journal

Fascinating insects from around the world, including some newly discovered species.

Insects account for more than half of the approximately 1.7 million named species of all living things. The number of insect species yet undiscovered runs into many further millions.

Stephen Marshall has selected 500 of the most interesting insects from his travels to North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Beautiful photographs show the insects in their natural habitats, and informative "factfiles" provide further details about the lives of these fascinating creatures. Some of the insects are new species, photographed here for the first time.

In addition to the entries for each of the species, there is an introduction on insect biology, classification and distribution, along with information on collecting and photographing insects.

Stephen A. Marshall is a professor of entomology at the University of Guelph, where he developed a major insect collection and carries out research on insect systematics and biodiversity. He has discovered hundreds of new species, several new genera and even two new subfamilies. He is also the author of Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity, a Booklist Editor's Choice Reference selection for 2006.

Stephen A. Marshall's profile page

[Review of hardcover edition:] The quality of the photographs makes this volume a stunning work. The author selected 500 insects from his studies and travels around the planet. Each is presented in a high-quality, full-color, magnified image. These are single-page entries with accompanying information of approximately 100 words or less. The book restricts itself to the class Insecta. The entries are arranged by Insecta's scientific orders. Generic and species names are given in italics.... The eight-page introduction gives information on insect distribution, basic insect biology, collecting and photographing insects, insect structure, and taxonomic names. A small glossary and resources for further research and reading are provided. An index completes the volume. School and public libraries as well as individuals with entomology collections will find the book a welcome addition.

American Reference Books Annual

[Review of hardcover edition:] Terrific... The photos are a pleasure to look at, and the small amount of information given with each adds up to a lot of painless learning. There is a lovely contemplative quality to this work... This would be a great book to have in any elementary school classroom and in any biology or entomology library. It is a good book to buy for the budding young naturalist in your life. It also is an excellent reference work and could be inspiration for artists.

Science Books & Films

[Review of hardcover edition:] Incorporating several newly identified species, this insect field guide provide single-page entries describing 500 of the world's reported one million recognized varieties. The detail of each full-color, highly magnified photograph is so stunning that, if you're not fond of bugs, it will doubtlessly incite your flight reflex. Nevertheless, the vivid photographic detail is essential to the book's scientific value: nothing is lost in creative translation.... Highly recommended for entomology collections.

Library Journal

[Review of hardcover edition:] Entomologist Stephen A. Marshall offers insect enthusiasts a glimpse of the remarkable diversity in the insect world. It's like going on a bug safari from the comfort of your couch! 500 Insects makes a great gift for anyone who likes bugs, from the natural history buff to the professional entomologist.

About.com

[Review of hardcover edition:] Designed primarily to highlight the magnificence of insect diversity rather than to serve as an identification guide, this compact volume presents 500 vivid, close-up photographs of insects.

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