Essential Entomology. An Order-By-Order Introduction

This is an order-by-order introduction and reference handbook for students of biological sciences in general and entomology in particular. It is a concise guide to the insect orders world-wide, and to what makes insects special and successful; an affordable, accessible, and short entomology primer. Many other textbooks are system-based and can make the reader confused about the basic classification of the insects and what makes each of the orders distinct, this book in contrast makes the distinctions between the groups very clear. The book is in four sections: - a straightforward introduction to insect biology and evolution, featuring the very latest theories; - a brief overview of the insect orders in the form of a pictorial guide; - an order-by-order catalogue of the insects giving essential facts and details of life-histories, highlighting what makes each order distinct, with a specially commissioned full-page illustration for each order; and - a section on field work. Throughout, the book is written in a straightforward style with as little technical language as possible. The information for each order is presented in a standard manner, making it easy to take in. Essential terms are fully explained in context with marginal notes, and the definitions also appear in a glossary at the back of the book. The book is suitable for biological sciences undergraduates taking an entomology module, but will also be a very useful reference tool and source of information for ecologists, naturalists, amateur entomologists and anyone whose work touches on insects.