Insectpedia: A Brief Compendium of Insect Lore

Description

A fun and fact-filled A-Z treasury for the insect lover in all of us. Insectpedia introduces you to the wonders of the insect world while inviting you to make discoveries of your own. Featuring dozens of entries on topics ranging from murder hornets and the 'insect apocalypse' to pioneering entomologists such as Margaret James Strickland Collins and Douglas Tallamy, this beautifully illustrated, pocket-friendly encyclopedia dispels many common myths about insects while offering new perspectives on the vital relationships we share with these incredible creatures. This entertaining collection celebrates the long and storied history of entomology, highlights our dependence on insects for food and ecosystem services, and explains the meaning behind various entomological terms. With Eric Eaton as your guide, you will circle the globe in search of African Toktokkies and Australian beer bottle beetles, and witness the peculiar spectacle of cricket fighting in Asia. Profiles of influential figures in entomology provide insights into the curious minds that animate this extraordinarily broad field of scientific inquiry, while the book's portable size makes it the perfect travel companion no matter where your own entomological adventures may lead you. With captivating illustrations by Amy Jean Porter, Insectpedia is an engaging blend of insect facts and folklore that will inspire anyone who delights in the marvels of nature.

Eric R. Eaton is a naturalist and writer whose books include Wasps: The Astonishing Diversity of a Misunderstood Insect (Princeton) and, with Gregory S. Paulson, Insects Did It First. He runs the blogs Bug Eric and Sense of Misplaced. Twitter @BugEric Amy Jean Porter is an artist, illustrator, and naturalist. She is the illustrator of Florapedia and Fungipedia (both Princeton).

"A delightful little book that will appeal to anyone with an interest in the majority of life on Earth. It is packed with information that educates and entertains. "---George McGavin, President of the Dorset Wildlife Trust "[An] eclectic roundup of bug miscellany. . . . Eaton's writing is crisp, informative, and at times humorous, and he does a great job of demonstrating insects' important role on the planet, as they pollinate plants, control pests, and serve as a food source for fish and wildlife." * Publishers Weekly * "Wonderful... lots of good information in here"---Adam Del Rosso, AccuWeather "Insectpedia will appeal to all ages and is written for everyone interested in learning new things about our environment. . . . This book is perfect for piquing interest and encouraging further studies."---Ann Chilcott, Beekeeper's Quarterly "This engaging and delightful A-Z of the insect world, is packed full of fascinating, and often amusing facts. On the one hand, the format makes this great little book easy to dip in and out of; on the other, Eaton's wit and enthusiasm for his subject keeps you turning the pages."---Amanda Williams, Buzz About Bees "A great pocket-sized book to pick up for moments of awe and wonder."---Stephen Fleming, Bee Craft "A terrific little book."---Phil Slade, Another Bird Blog "An engaging and interesting read for anyone who delights in the marvels of nature."---Frances McKim, Pest Magazine " you want a fun read, try this one."---Geoff Carpentier, North Durham Nature Newsletter "Fun and fact filled this entertaining collection . . . . offers new perspectives on the vital relationship between insects and humans." * Bees for Development * "Even the most learned supporters of entomology will find a place on their bookshelf or coffee table for this little gem of a book."---Jacintha Cloney, An Beachaire "The author is very much an insect champion . . . His works really need to get out amongst the unconverted."---Paul Hetherington, Atropos Magazine "An engaging blend of insect facts and folklore that will inspire anyone who delights in the marvels of nature."---British Journal of Entomology and Natural History, John Badmin