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This book works from an ingenious, unstated premise: birds eat insects of every conceivable description, but most birders know surprisingly little about those insects. Waldbauer, a retired professor of entomology at the University of Illinois, offers an accessible, well-written primer on bird-bug ecology, concentrating on "context"--the role of birds in the lives of insects, and of insects in the lives of birds. Among other things, he touches on the evolution of different beak shapes and sizes; on insect defense systems such as stinging or the production of noxious chemicals; and even on the curious turnabout whereby some insect species, such as certain kinds of ants and spiders, feed on birds. This lively book belongs in every birder's library. --Gregory McNamee ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Here's the web of life for you
This is a very informative, easy to read book that talks about the interrelationships of bugs and birds, how they've evolved together, how bugs try to deter birds, how birds work to overcome the defenses, and how people are playing a role. It goes into detail that is just enough for someone like me who doesn't have a science background but want to know more than tjust the basics. Its got a lot of fun (and not so fun) facts that make you think and simply broaden your perspectives. I'm glad I bought it ... Read more

Book Description

During the past decade, the study of the chemical structures used by insects has advanced from a subject that could be reviewed in a single volume to a vastly more advanced level. This important new volume brings together a focused group of reviews that offer perspective on the most interesting advances in insect chemical ecology.Chemical Ecology of Insects 2 brings together an internationally respected group of experts covering such topics as chemoreception and integration, orientation mechanisms, plant--insect interactions and insect--insect interactions. An important benefit of these reviews lies in the identification of the boundaries of our current knowledge and the most profitable areas in which we should expect these areas to develop.This important work will appeal to entomologists and ecologists working directly with insects. In addition, plant scientists interested in the interaction of plants and insects will find much valuable information. The book is intended to benefit both field and laboratory researchers as well as advanced students. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A book for all ages!
This is a fabulous book for insect and photography enthusiasts alike. The 3-D effect is so real it is like the bugs are sitting on your nose! My 14-year-old nephew likes the book and so do my adult friends. All of Blum's 3-D books are highly recommended.

Fabulous book with stereo 3-D photos!
BUGS in 3-D

I highly recommended this book for school children and adults alike.

I was introduced to one of Blum's books by a friend and liked it so much that I sought out and bought all of his 3D books. I find the price so reasonable that I've since bought more to give as gifts.

I enjoy looking at the 3-D photos as much as my seven year old son so I already know several adults as well as children who will be getting this book as a gift.

The technical quality of the photos and printing of the books is very good. A magnifying, stereo viewer is built into a unique bi-fold cover of the book A little research showed that this idea is well over a hundred years old (like stereo photography) but I still find it very innovative because it is so rare and unusual.

The photographer has an inspired eye and top technical skill. The macro photography is amazing. If you buy this book hold it high with your head back when you look at the close-up of the Zebra Tarantula (plate 4). It will freak you out like your about to be eaten! Then go to plate 40 and look at the beautiful butterfly.

The writing accompanying each image adds to the photos with just the right amount of scientific and general information to serve both young and old reader. I like this book very much and I hope you find this review helpful. I recommend looking for the other 3-D books by Blum. They are all great!

Fine example of Macro Stereo Photography
This is a wonderful book. Well designed, with fine viewer and sharp photos. A real bargain for the price. I'll need to collect the whole series. If you are familiar with stereo photography, this is a must have. If you think 3-D means added shadowing, this is a must have.

Another GREAT Mark Blum Book!
Mark Blum is clearly a very talented and skillful nature photographer! His books, including BUGS IN 3-D, are all FABULOUS! I can't recommend this book highly enough!

In BUGS IN 3-D, you will be shrunk to the size of a grasshopper, taken off to exotic forests, and introduced face-to-face to some really amazing insects! It is just like entering their world! INCREDIBLE!

The photography is exquisite!
The 3-D stereo effect is remarkable!
The subject is fascinating!
The price is bargain!
There are NO negatives about this book!
Children, parents, science students, naturalists; I can't think of anybody who won't love this book!

BUY IT!!

Not just for kids
The publisher has unfortunately tried to market these fabulous works as childrens books (not that they aren't wonderful for kids as well), but these photos are truely amazing both in the quality of the photography, but also in the presentation. They are printed on very high quality coated paper with a STURDY set of lenses built right into the hard cover, which allows you to view them in all their splendor without any additional equipment.

These are not red/blue lenses! The images are presented in true color stereo pairs and when viewed, merge into a single, dynamic 3D image - WOW! I can't say enough about the overall quality of viewing for ADULTS as well as children.

The price is another thing that confuses me. I don't know why these are so inexpensive? I urge anyone who loves nature to buy all of the books in this series! ... Read more

Book Description

From exploring the basic principles of entomology to starting a collection, The Practical Entomologist is the perfect introduction to the world of insects.

Beginning with the basics, the text describes what characterizes an insect, including anatomy and the life cycle. It takes an order-by-order look at insects, explaining how each group differs from another and why certain types of insects have been classified together.

The book shows you not only what to look for but how and where to look for it -- from capturing and keeping live insects to ways of making a collection and taking photographs. Tips on keeping a field notebook are also included.

Packed with more than 200 full-color illustrations, this comprehensive guide is a valuable reference tool for nature enthusiasts. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Amazing photos...made a college entomology class interesting
I purchased this book to be used as a text for a lower div entomology class....amazing. Simple descriptions and GREAT photos. A must have for any amateur entomologist.

If you know a beetle's not a bee...you've outgrown this one
The book may be useful for an extreme novice in bug collection and identification, or for helping youngsters. It superficially treats any given group of insects, with less detail than I had anticipated. Most of the insects illustrated are foreign, which was disappointing. This is a book that will sit on the shelf until I decide which nephew to give it to.

The Practical Entomologist
This book was the first one I ever bought and it was very helpful.It is just loaded with useful information, and helpful diagrams. However, if you like hands on experiences, its loaded with all kinds of easy to do experiments that are fun and educational. However, due to the amount of scientific words and phrases, I would not recommend this book to children under seven.

A Great Book for the Budding Entomologist
Back when I first began my fascination with insects, I picked up a copy of this book hoping it would help me with a project. I was impressed with the way it presents information order by order in true entomologist fashion. The pictures are great and the text informative. I would recommend this book to anyone who is just beginning in entomology and is looking for a great overview of insects and their lives.

A Great Book for the Buddin Entomologist
Back when I first began my fascination with insects, I picked up a copy of this book hoping it would help me with a project. I was impressed with the way it presents information order by order in true entomologist fashion. The pictures are great and the text informative. I would recommend this book to anyone who is just beginning in entomology and is looking for a great overview of insects and their lives. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not Your Average Spider Book
Many books written on arachnids are basically recycled jargon boring the reader with misinformation and "common sense" wife's tales. This book, however, was an exception to the rule. The author seems to actually know the subject matter, getting past the "basics" very quickly and introducing you to virtually every family of spider and all of their distinguishing features. Also included are several odd footnotes about the arachnid that I found very useful and that I hadn't seen elsewhere.

The books includes areas on:
1) where to find spiders
2) how you should go about collecting and preserving them
3) parasites and other enemies the spider has
4) the anatomy of the arachnid and how to recognize their sex
5) some useful information about the wondrous effects of spider venom
6) a guide on how to actually study spiders
7) the lists of families and higher categories of all spiders (including pictures of the families that are commonly found)
I personally found it to be an interesting read and would say that anyone interested in Entomology or simply looking into spiders should give it peek. You might thank yourself one day. ... Read more

Book Description

Despite their ferocious reputation, tarantulas are fascinating animals to observe, and can be kept in a home terrarium. This volume advises on their maintenance and care. Books in the Complete Pet Owner's Manuals series present basic information about pets for new or soon-to-be owners. Advice and instruction covers feeding, housing, health care, training, grooming, protection against hazards, and more. Texts emphasize pet care basics and are easy for all readers to understand, but most titles also present facts that even experienced pet owners and breeders will find new and useful. All books in this series are filled with high quality full-color photos and instructive line art. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Great Book
Whether new to having a pet tarantula, or a little further along in the hobby, this is a great book to have on hand. All the basic questions/concerns about keeping a tarantula are well-covered in this book. There are also many beautiful color photos of tarantulas that will make you want to keep expanding your collection! There is far less information on keeping other spiders and scorpions, but it is still very helpful if you are starting out. ... Read more

Book Description

In this intriguing book, professional entomologist and amateur gardener Grissell suggests that it might be time to declare a truce with the insects in our lives.

He describes the various orders of insects the gardener is likely to encounter, and writes knowledgeably about how insects grow, feed, and reproduce. Unlike other insect-related books for gardeners, this is not a handbook on how to recognize and eliminate "pests." Instead, Insects and Gardens seeks to explain the vital role insects play in every garden ecosystem.

Carll Goodpasture's remarkable color photographs reveal the surprising beauty and vital energy that insects bring to the garden. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Must read for the serious gardener
Experienced gardeners are used to the idea that it's impossible (and not the least bit desirable) to have an insect-free garden. The main message of Eric Grissell's book is that a good garden teams with insect life, and that's how it should be.

This is decidedly not a book about how to deal with insect pests. In fact, the author urges us to stop thinking of insects only as enemies to be battled. "Plants and insects have interacted for hundreds of millions of years. Why should we gardeners feel compelled to change this situation in an hour or an afternoon?" he asks.

Grissell's aim is to show gardeners another way. Create a garden filled with variety, he urges. As you might guess, the ordinary yard with its swath of lawn, sprinkling of annuals, evergreen foundation shrubs and tree or two doesn't cut it when it comes to diversity. Instead, he suggests planting as many different plants as you can, and creating a variety of habitats; for example, adding water to the garden creates a new habitat that almost instantly attracts all sorts of life from frogs, toads to dragonflies and birds. If we gardeners achieve diversity, Grissell concludes, "We will have so many plants to think about that no plant will become sacred. And then we will be free of the garden and free to garden."

Stewardship of our gardens
I found the ideas in this book to be very exciting and the author to have a great sense of humor. I have a Backyard Wildlife Habitat, but I hadn't given enough thought to the role of insects in my garden. After reading this book, I am looking at my garden with new eyes. The author has provided some very good reasons for gardening the way I tend to do anyway - pack it with as many different plants as possible, leave it a little messy, and don't use pesticides. It's very nice to have this approach validated and especially to know why it seems to work! Now I just have to get an insect identification book ...

Award winning book
Insects and Gardens is a double award winning book. It received two of the "Top 10" 2002 Garden Globe Awards presented by the Garden Writers Association of America -- one for Best Book and one for Best Writer, and comes highly recommend by the people who write about gardening. Author Eric Grissell, who is a research entomologist with the USDA, received Best Writing for his clear and concise look at the life of insects and how they "work" to our benefit in our gardens. Publisher Timber Press received the Best Book for an outstanding gardening book overall. Only five individuals and five companies were selected out of a field of more than 300 entries to receive a 2002 Garden Globe Award. The book was selected by a panel of garden communication experts - some Pulitzer Prize winners themselves -- who look for the best books, magazines, writers and photographers in the country. The book was evaluated on accuracy of information, ability to communicate, content, organization, style and originality. If you are interested in the relationships of insects to gardens, to each other and to humans, and how they benefit your garden, this is a must have in your library...

A superb introduction to insects within a garden ecology.
Eric Grissell's Insects And Gardens isn't another visual guide to insects in the garden, but an introduction to insect biology and the role of insects in garden ecology. From the various orders of insects and how they reproduce to their interactions in the garden environment, Insects And Gardens provides science readers with an excellent survey. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Amazon.com

David George Gordon, author of The Compleat Cockroach, says eating protein-rich bugs is good for you ("Crickets are loaded with calcium, and termites are rich in iron), and good for the earth ("Raising cows, pigs, and sheep is a tremendous waste of the planet's resources, but bug ranching is pretty benign"). After all, what's inherently more disgusting about eating a grasshopper than, say, an oyster? Gordon enthusiastically provides recipes for terrestrial arthropods gleaned from the entomophagic appetites of people around the world, telling you which insects are most delicious and which to avoid, how to cook them, and which wine to drink with your many-legged meal. The recipes themselves are clear, easy to follow, and quite educational, with sidebar tidbits about the bugs you're about to eat. Gordon divides the recipes into sections by type of insect, be it grasshoppers, social insects, or "pantry pests." And, of course, he provides a list of places where you can order your edible insects and tips for catching your own. The Eat a Bug Cookbook is a sure kitchen conversation piece--even if you never try Three Bee Salad or Chocolate Cricket Torte, you'll laugh out loud, squirm uncomfortably, and lick your chops while taking this deliciously creepy culinary tour. --Therese Littleton ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The ideal gift
The ideal gift for your mother-in-law

Fun and tasty!
While I originally bought this as a gag gift for my wife (no pun intended), once we tried some of the recipes we found that we really enjoyed it. Even our son has taken a liking to the recipes (so far, crickets are his favorite). If you can get past your initial apprehension, you'll really enjoy the recipes. Oddly enough, I've also found that I'm no longer asked to bring in dishes for our carry-ins at work.

A Fondness for Beetles
When British scientist J.B.S. Haldane was asked what could be inferred about the Almighty from a lifelong study of nature, he replied (given that there are 400,000 species of beetles, compared with only 8,000 species of mammals) that God must have Òan inordinate fondness for beetles.Ó If beetles and other insects are so abundant, why doesnÕt everyone eat bugs instead of plants, fish, birds, and chemically-fattened mammals? As explained in this prankish yet valuable guide to entomophagy (Latin for Òbug-eatingÓ), we already eat insects, inadvertently, in the sense that the FDAÕs food safety regulations allow up to 60 aphids in 3 1/2 ounces of frozen broccoli, 74 mites in 100 grams of canned mushrooms, and so on. They canÕt be completely kept out of our food, and, so long as we donÕt know weÕre eating them, theyÕre not only tasty, theyÕre rich in nutrients (a grasshopper, for example, is more than 20 per cent protein, and crickets are an excellent source of calcium). This parody of a typical cookbook concludes with a 3-page list of suppliers of edible anthropods (whether live or ready to serve), manufacturers of exotic toothpicks, and organizations that sponsor bug-eating extravaganzas. The author, who has a weakness for bad puns (among his recipes are ÒParty Pupae,Ó ÒThree Bee Salad,Ó ÒPest-O,Ó and ÒFried Green Tomato Horn WormÓ), has written such earlier popular books as The Compleat Cockroach and Field Guide to the Slug (which the New York Times described as ÒgrippingÓ). (Review from Ballast Quarterly Review, Vol 14 No 2 Winter 1998-99)

This book has been a turning point in my life.
Ever since I brought Gordon's "Crispy Crickets" to my work, my popularity has skyrocketed. I didn't even get fired for using the customer's kitchen to cook the crickets.

Try it--the food's surprisingly good
I had the pleasure of assisting Mr. Gordon at the Pacific Science Center here in Seattle, where he prepared Orzo with Crickets for an audience of stunned adults and captivated kids (not to mention animal-rights protesters--forget the Makah whale hunts, let's keep people from eating insects!). I was skeptical at first--and it *was* disconcerting to see "bugs" in the sample that I ate--but the bottom line is any dish with orzo, peppers, garlic, and butter will taste good! The crickets add a mild flavor and interesting texture. Try it. You might squirm at first, but you'll like it.

Maybe this will be the next Seattle craze to sweep the nation. Move over, Starbucks! ... Read more

Book Description

An astonishing collection of images so vibrant they seem poised to fly off the page.

In a place where art, science and technology meet, Joseph Scheer’s images of moths emerge. These ubiquitous creatures are often considered drab-colored poor relations of the "beautiful" butterfly; Scheer’s artwork will forever change that notion. By using a high-resolution scanner, recently developed digital printing technology, and an artist’s sensibility, he brings forth the subtleties and astonishing varieties of color and textures that moths possess. The result is a glittering jewel box of brilliantly colored, intricately formed creatures, each with its own landscape of tiny hairs, kaleidoscopic color, iridescent eyes and antennae as intricate as filigree.

Scheer’s moth experiments started out as a fine art print installation to show a range of insects at large scale in a single room, and have now expanded into a biodiversity project with a significant number of specimens. This exquisitely produced volume features one hundred and fifty prints selected from Scheer’s extensive collection, images of such incredible depth and color you’ll want to reach out and touch them. Certainly you’ll never look at a moth the same way again. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

WOW!
This is one of the most remarkable books that I have encountered in a long long time. An artist friend who is aware of my tripartite interest in science, technology, and the arts grabbed me in the cafeteria last months & said that I "had to take a look at this". She was absolutely right. No, this ISN'T a scientific treatise on moths or a discourse on the natural history of insects, and one certainly wouldn't want to take it into the field to identify even the moths of the relatively small area sampled, BUT THAT ISN'T THE POINT! Instead one is treated to stunning imagery of animals that most of us either ignore entirely or slaughter with "bug-zappers" and poisons & seldom if ever grant the benefit of a second glance. Thanks to Scheer my children & I have had some very pleasant sessions simply sitting & turning the pages & the most frequent comment is the title of this review. "Wow!" indeed. Also Bravo to Scheer for giving us a wonderful look at a little seen & greatly under-appreciated subject.

Subtle yet stunning beauty ... This one is a treasure.
My reaction was very different from that of "a reader from Hamilton". To me, the images were stunning, exquisite both in detail and beauty, and required neither apology nor defence. The omission of more colourful moths from other parts of the world is hardly an objection: author Joseph Scheer collected his from within a specific area (upstate New York, I believe), and there is no indication that he had any interest in doing a "moths of the world" or even a "moths of the US". That he found such a wide variety in such a limited geographical range is already impressive. He had no need for more or different specimens to prove his point.

Some moths were striking, indeed -- drab is not a word one would apply to the Actias luna, by a long shot -- but I found myself delighting even more in the simple, subtle beauty of the shades of brown (Odontosia elegans), or white (Eudeilinia herminiata), or grey (Catocala relicta), next to which even the subdued reds and yellows of, say, Hypoprepia fucosa seemed almost gaudy. What beauty might be overlooked seeing these moths with the human eye alone was brought out superbly seeing them enlarged upon these plates, often with each hair and each scale distinct.

Yes, there were areas where the image was not as sharp as it should have been had this been a scientific work, where detail is all and aesthetics, however welcome, of secondary importance. For such a work, a camera might have been the better choice; Scheer, however, was interested in exploring the artistic potential of using a high-resolution scanner and an Iris printer. Frankly, I had not even noticed the fuzziness until I went looking for it after encountering the Hamiltonian reader's review. Now that I see it, I do not find it detracts in the slightest -- it is only natural that, when the human eye focuses on one part, other parts blur away. These images simply mimic this.

As for the size of the book (30 cm. x 36 cm., rounding fractions up) vis a vis the size of your bookshelves: let me answer your question, reader from Hamilton -- you store it lying flat, by preference. If you have absolutely no choice but to shelve it upright and your shelves are too shallow, rest it on its spine, and make sure there is adequate support on either side (as, indeed, you would for any book upright on the shelf). Never shelve a book fore-edge down, the strain on the binding is much too great.

Disapointing
Moths are some of the most beautiful creatures in the world and in many cases exceeding the beauty of the butterfly but you would not know it from the majority of specimens shown in this book. Many moths shown are different shades of browns or white and gray. Many beautiful USA moths are left out such as the "Royal Walnut" and the "Imperial" moth.

Without doing a lot of research the specimens shown all appear to be USA moths mainly east of the Missippi. Although these are great pictures there are some disturbing out of focus areas near the bodies of a few specimens.

In doing a book like this on the beauty of moths you should include some of the vast array of fantastically beautiful moths from other parts of the world to truly appreciate their beauty and leave out the dull browns and whites unless they have a striking pattern.

The other problem is this book will not fit in a book case as it is 12" x 14" in size. Most bookshelves are 12" deep so the final question is how do you store this 14" deep book - on its end? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a great achievement in comparative biology
Three experienced zoologists and cell biologists have joined their efforts to write an encyclopedia of insect sperm biology. This book shows how many ney and interesting sperm models there are to study and how usefull thei can be for phylogenetic studies. ... Read more

Book Description

In 1923 Rudolf Steiner predicted the dire state of the honeybee today. He said that, within fifty to eighty years, we would see the consequences of mechanizing the forces that had previously operated organically in the beehive. Such practices include breeding queen bees artificially.

The fact that over sixty percent of the American honeybee population has died during the past ten years, and that this trend is continuing around the world, should make us aware of the importance of the issues discussed in these lectures. Steiner began this series of lectures on bees in response to a question from an audience of workers at the Goetheanum.

From physical depictions of the daily activities of bees to the most elevated esoteric insights, these lectures describe the unconscious wisdom of the beehive and its connection to our experience of health, culture, and the cosmos.

Bees is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the true nature of the honeybee, as well as those who wish to heal the contemporary crisis of the beehive. Bees includes an essay by David Adams From Queen Bee to Social Sculpture: The Artistic Alchemy of Joseph Beuys.

The art and social philosophy of Joseph Beuys (1921–1986) is among the most influential of the twentieth century. He was strongly influenced by Rudolf Steiner's lectures on bees. The elemental imagery and its relationship to human society played an important role in Beuys's sculptures, drawings, installations, and performance art. Adams' essay on Beuys adds a whole new dimension to these lectures, generally considered to be directed more specifically to biodynamic methods and beekeeping. ... Read more

Book Description

Twelve months on the road with America's last cowboys: the migratory beekeepers.

In this absorbing work of literary journalism, Douglas Whynott introduces us to the world of migratory beekeeping, a world composed of clandestine state-border crossings, dodgy rigs, and unforgettable characters.

An updated edition of Whynott's classic account of his twelve months spent chasing the nectar flow with a few good men and women-and millions of honeybees-Following the Bloom tells the story of America's "last real cowboys." Overcoming catastrophic mechanical breakdowns, escaped bees that wreak havoc in suburban neighborhoods, and unfriendly state bee inspectors who threaten to burn entire bee colonies, these beekeepers truck hundreds of thousands of hives from state to state. From the cranberry bogs of Cape Cod and the blueberry fields of Maine to the clover fields of North Dakota and the orange groves of Florida, beekeeper and bee alike pursue the bloom.

Seamlessly combining the remarkable physics of the beehive, the political realities of commercial beekeeping, and the compelling adventures of America's migratory beekeepers, Following the Bloom pays homage to the hive, the honey, and the beekeeping cowboy. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A great book about bees and the people who work with them.
Following the Bloom by Douglas Whynott, is a collection of amusing anecdotes of colorful migratory beekeepers and their truck-transported bee-cargo. Doug Whynott hitches a ride and applies his professor quality bee knowledge to the open road. Funny stories, told in a lyrical prose, plus expert information--a book to read and reread and treasure! New England readers may even envision on off-beat winter vacation in the South Carolina sun--as part of the crew.

Classic Book About Beekeepers and Bees
I'm sorry to learn that this book is not available anymore. I learned about Following the Bloom when I read an article about beekeeping in southern California written by Whynott for a San Diego weekly. I read it, loved it, and then ordered several more copies and took them to beekeepers meetings. This book covers an important time in beekeeping, when tracheal mites arrived in this country and when the Africanized bees crossed from Mexico into Texas. It was a difficult time in commercial beekeeping. The author also covered some of the greats in the industry, people such as Horace Bell. But Whynott goes beyond reporting too, and gets into the mystery of the bees, nature's most interesting creature. The review on the back cover of this book has it right, that the author excites our wonder. Anyone interested in bees or the people who keep them for a living should read this fine book. If you can find it. I'm still looking for copies.

A must for anyone interested in bees and beekeeping.
As a new beekeeper - or rather, as someone who has a beehive on her property - I have tried this spring and summer to read everything I can about bees and beekeeping. Whynott's stories are fascinating, and the background information provided is helpful even to a hobbyist. High School biology teachers should put this on their students' summer reading list; I know the school I teach at will!

Fascinating look at migratory beekeepers, cowboys of bees.
This book is fascinating, suffering only from being out of date in terms of the new crises in beekeeping. I wish Whynott or someone would revisit the subject of migratory beekeeping. These people drive semis loaded with beehives around the country! It is an adventurous life, to say the least. Whynott tells some wild stories. We owe the migratory beekeepers a lot. This is a quick read, but worth a try if you are at all interested in beekeeping. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Love 'em, hate 'em, laugh at 'em.
Buzzwords, a compilation of humor columns written for American Entomologist by May Berenbaum from 1991-1999, combines science and wit with a little bit of everyday life to come up with some pretty funny - and interesting - stuff for entomologists and entomologist wanna-bes.
While these essays were written for the scientific community and there are occasional lapses into research methods or Latin syntax, for the most part the essays are in common English and provide some great information on insects in a much lighter format than the average scientific texts.
For example, essays like "Putting on Airs," in which Berenbaum documents the years of research scientists have spent calculating exactly how much methane gas termites are responsible for producing (i.e.: how much termites fart), and "Inquiring Minds Want to Know" which details how often cockroaches make the pages of tabloid magazines, there is much for the non-entomologist to enjoy.
Of course Berenbaum deals with the more serious side of entomology as well, such as in the essay "Just Say Notoclontid?" that details the former president George Bush's plan to raid coca fields by dropping caterpillars from helicopters as part of his efforts on the "war on drugs," she just does it a little tounge-in-cheek.
Overall, Buzzwords is an educational book with a dose of humor, fun to read and, best of all, it won't leave you itchy all over!

Think insects are boring? Think again.
Let's start simply. This is a great book. It's not a great book in the way 'War and Peace' is a great book. It's great in the way 'Calvin and Hobbes' was a great comic strip, or 'Monty Python' was a great TV show. It's about insects - wait, don't run away. Buzzwords looks at our world's bugs, and those who study them, from a different point of view than you're used to. This is no high-school science class book. This is a high-school locker room book. Its topics range from calculating termite farts to what educators could learn from porno titles. It does have a few more standard scientific parts, but no chapter will leave you without several good laughs. If you're at all into insects, so much the better. Not only can you steal a few good jokes from Ms Berenbaum (I'm a fan of her puns, like the chapter titled 'Supoenas Envy), but you can show everyone that entomology can be very cool indeed. A must have for fans of either laughter or bugs.

A scientist muses on sex, bugs, and rock
A scientist muses on sex, bugs, and rock in a humorous entomology title which will invite many non-bug fans to read. From how entomologists see insects (as opposed to the rest of the world) to reflections on pets and internet culture, Buzzwords creates a lively survey of the worlds of man and insect.

Excellent books for anyone, not just entomologists!
M.R. Berenbaum, who regularly contributes a column to the journal American Entomologist and an entomologist herself, presents insects and entomologist in a accurate and humorous way that anyone can appreciate. It's nice to find a good science book that is easy to read and comprehend. I use the articles in my high school biology class and my students think they are hilarious! ... Read more

Book Description

You open the kitchen cabinet, reach for the jar of peanut butter, and there on its top are mice droppings. What’s the safest means to be rid of the mice? In Ask the Bugman, Board Certified Entomologist Richard Fagerlund offers advice on pest control drawn from answers to commonly asked questions in his nationally distributed newspaper column. For mice, live traps are best, using oatmeal as bait. Never use poisons or glue boards. He also encourages preventive measures to plug the holes mice use as entrances.

With thirty-years’ experience in pest control, Fagerlund offers suggestions for controlling nearly fifty common (and a few not so common) pests found in and around the home. The questions are divided into categories including disruptive pests, destructive pests, biters and stingers, reptiles and rodents, and garden and household bugs. But what separates Ask the Bugman from other such books is its environmental ethic, which is carefully laid out in the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Typical IPM methods include habitat modification, improved sanitation, and the use of less-toxic, pest-specific baits. As alternatives to harmful chemicals, he counsels use of home remedies, provides a number of these, and includes others sent in by readers of his column. Ten original sketches of common household pests give readers an appreciation of their appearance. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Controlling mice, termites, bed bugs & more
Environmentally safe, effective ways of controlling mice, termites, bed bugs and other common household insects and creatures are revealed in Ask The Bugman!, a guide which uses a question and answer format to impart the basics, and a chapter organization by type of pest ("Biters and Stingers", "Ants") make answers quick to find. An excellent, basic guide to pest control options.

Best book of its kind available
This is an excellent book on how to control pests without using toxic chemicals or pest control companies. It is full of great ideas and excellent drawings. It is also entertaining when people, especially the school children, list their least favorite bugs. There is even a great short piece on hemp which makes the book a little controversial. Informative, entertaining and controversial equals very interesting. It is worth every penny... ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Correction! [number of stars a required field, please ignore
One reviewer thought that the author did not provide reasons for disagreeing with someone else's view that the two harvester ant genera should be seen as only one genus instead of two. In reality, it is this book that provides the only analysis of the problem. It was an unfair criticism.

Great discovery on Pogonomyrmex taxonomy
Dr. Taber has come up with a practical and informative narrative style that told me everything I couldn't find elsewhwere in a straight forward, convincing manner. I am persuaded that the chromosone distinction he has drawn between the Pogos and Ephobos is a conclusive evidence of different genera and a more scientific key than the often jumbled attempts to describe morphological characteristics which leave much to be desired.

I am curious who did his excellent ant drawings? If one were to focus in on the gasters depicted, and could use these reliably and with ease under a microscope, it would certainly be a lot quicker to identify specimens than looking for offset teeth, non-concentric rugae or trying to differentiate amongst verbal descriptions of epinotal armature when a single species may have more than one variety of worker in the same colony.

Mr. Taber's book is a must for any serious myrmecologist or wanna-be scientist. My own work on the diet and nutrition of horned lizards (Phrynosoma) led me to this excellent book. I would like to talk to and/or meet Dr. Taber and commend him personally for opening the door to my better understanding of Neartic harvester ants.

Buy this book. Don't even think about it. It is positively the latest thinking and best for its manageble size on the market.

R. Joseph Collet JD Horned Lizard Study Center 2330 Guardian Circle St. George, UT 84790 FAX (435) 628-4492

Excellent book for naturalists interested in ants.
**Strengths: distribution maps for species in North and South America, good history of early researchers, nice cladograms, nice drawings of all species, brief descriptions of behavior and habits of ants in North and South America, fun to read. **Weaknesses: not comprehensive, keys are difficult, does not directly address Bolton's synonomy of Pogonomyrmex and Ephebomyrmex

Great book!!!
Great book for the pogo fans. A concise overview we have been long awating!! ... Read more

Book Description

Now in paperback -- a fascinating work of popular science from a world-renowned expert on mosquitoes and a prize-winning reporter.

In this lively and comprehensive portrait of the mosquito, its role in history, and its threat to mankind, Spielman and D'Antonio take a mosquito's-eye view of nature and man. They show us how mosquitoes breed, live, mate, and die, and introduce us to their enemies, both natural and man-made. The authors present tragic and often grotesque examples of how the mosquito has insinuated itself into human history, from the malaria that devastated invaders of ancient Rome to the current widespread West Nile fever panic. Filled with little-known facts and remarkable anecdotes that bring this tiny being into larger focus, Mosquito offers fascinating, alarming, and convincing evidence that the sooner we get to know this pesky insect, the better off we'll be. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Don't bite on this superficial treatment!
I wanted to like this book, and the first chapter, I admit, was . . . well, infectious! But after chapter 2, the writing (col)lapsed into repetition, general assertions,vague hand-waving, and lack of descriptive, telling details, both scientific or anecdotal. The tone and diction are inconsistent, now scholarly, detached language, now cautionary common slang. Unbelievably,one of the key terms -- "disease vector" -- is never even defined!! This book reads like a C+ term paper hastily pulled from the internet, which is especially puzzling and disappointing considering the impressive authorial credentials (one is a leading researcher on mosquito-borne diseases!). What's more, Hyperion appears to have released what appears to be the same book under ***two different titles***: "A Natural History of Our Most Persistent and Deadly Foe" and "The Story of Man's Deadliest Foe" (and shouldn't that be "Humanity's" or "Our" deadliest foe??), except that this "Story of ..." title doesn't have photos. Don't waste your time on this one.

Okay, but there are better books on microbial disease
Perhaps I was merely spoiled by the book I read right before reading this one (Microbe Hunters by Paul de Kruif), but I found this book thoroughly mediocre both in content and style. The author constantly shifts between 3rd person narrator/teacher, man-on-the-scene, and editorializer, without spending sufficient time as any one of them. In fact, I was often disappointed by the brevity with which each of the book's subtopics was explored. It weighs in at a sparse ~225 pages, large print.

Unless you have a particular interest in mosquitoes, I instead recommend Microbe Hunters, a classic (1926?) book on some of the important scientists and discoveries in the early history of microbiology.

Interesting though not always fun
This book was written by a scientist and a journalist yet it was never clear to me what the contribution of the journalist was. The book writing showed knowledge, but not skills. The few attempts to make the reading captivating felt forced.

The content was great however and it was never tedious. It is just that some books really get you captivated regardless of the topic and this is not one of those books.

I wish it had covered a bit more about the different types of mosquitoes, and a bit more about their lives (only first 2 or 3 chapters do so). But it is still a worthwhile read. It talks a lot about the deadly diseases that are spread by mosquitoes and humans' long lasting battle against them.

A Great Read!
This book is a must for students of history and disease,
natural history, and popular history. It is especially timely in
light of the spread of the West Nile virus and can help the
reader to understand humanity's long struggle with disease
and the agents that can carry it. Well-written and informative, it reads more like a novel and is the very best
kind of popular history. Buy it - you'll like it! ... Read more

Book Description

Dragonfly-watching is fast becoming an enjoyable and exciting hobby for many of those who love butterfly-watching.

This book picks up on that trend and brings it to the reader in an attractive and accessible format. A new addition to Oxford's acclaimed Butterflies through Binoculars series of field guides, Dragonflies through Binoculars allows for quick and easy identification of all the 300-plus species of dragonflies that have been found in the United States and Canada. In these well-illustrated pages, Sidney W. Dunkle answers any query the beginner or expert might have on the subject of dragonfly-watching on this continent--what kind of binoculars to buy, where to start looking for dragonflies, how to photograph these striking creatures, which clubs or societies to join, and so forth. Other important features for this handy field guide include detailed accounts of every species mentioned, useful information on habitats, explanations of mating rituals, full-color photographs of most of the species described, and range maps. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

It came from the Carboniferous
I should have been clued in by this book's title, but I was still disappointed when I realized that damselflies were not included in the guide. Since one of my entomological challenges is distinguishing damselflies from their generally larger and faster-flying odonate cousins, it would have been nice to have both in one book.

Whining aside, "Dragonflies through Binoculars" contains a good, well-organized collection of photographs and descriptions of living dragonflies, with 47 plates in full color, plus information on all 307 species found in North America. These ancient insects are enameled in heraldic designs of stripes, checks, and diagonals as though they were about to fly off to an aerial jousting match---which is probably just what they will do as soon as you have your binoculars trained on them. I even saw one dragonfly with a miniature death's-head emblazoned on its thorax.

If you think I'm the only romantic concerning these fascinating Paleozoic-era hunters, tell me why they have been christened with such outlandish names as 'Ebony Boghaunter' or 'Stygian Shadowdragon.'

This book is more concerned with the current ecology of the dragonfly, rather than its 300-million year history. The author also gives advice such as what kind of binoculars to purchase, which clubs or societies to join, and how to photograph these elusive darters in their natural surroundings---there are no hints of kill bottles in this book!

Buy a copy of this book and see if dragonfly watching doesn't become your newest, most enjoyable hobby.

Wonderful book
This book contains numerous small (about 1.5" x 1.5") color, fairly high-quality photos of North American dragonflies. It also includes range maps which are color coded based upon the time of year you could expect to see the various dragonflies in different areas. The book contains accounts for the various species, genera and families of dragonflies. The accounts are well-written and touch on some of the dragonflies' natural history as well as summarizing identifying characteristics. The range maps and photos have brief species accounts on the page facing them, with more detailed accounts available in a seperate section of the book.

The book does not cover damselflies. It also does not contain any type of key. Either of these would have been nice, but then I guess the book would have been too large to be a field guide...

This book is the best field guide to North American dragonflies of which I am aware. It is very refreshing to see such a high-quality, useful field guide written about insects other than butterflies .

Fails to Fulfill Its' Promise
Dragonflies through Binoculars, was my first book on Dragonflies. As an avid birder I became interested in the fascinating insects of the order odinata. I tried to use this book in the field but had little success. Sidney Dunkle's text is clearly written, his explanations are well done, and the pictures are good quality. What is the problem? I finally figured it out. The pictures are too small and the book is written at a level well above that of a novice.

As field guides go there are two schools of thought, Photos and art. When it comes to birds many beginning birders prefer photos because they have a hard time translating the semi abstraction of an illustration to what they are seeing in life. Dragonflies through binoculars is based upon beautiful photographs of the Dragonfly species represented. The problem with photographs is they can only show what the camera sees. The disadvantage is the human eye is far more sensitive than a camera. As a result photographs can leave a lot to be desired. On the other hand art can go beyond what the camera shows and show detail a photograph misses.

As I have gained experience with Dragonflies I have managed to identify a few species using this guide. I was very pleased when I managed to correctly identify the common skimmer Dot-tailed Whiteface using this guide. As I spend more time in the field I really wish the photos were much larger and that more descriptive text would be devoted to each species. In the end I abandoned this guide in favor of The Dragonflies and Damselflies of Northeast Ohio, by Larry Rosche. Published by The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The Stoke's Beginners Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies, has also proven useful. For me Dragonflies through Binoculars has become a bookshelf reference rather than a Field Guide.

If you are interested in Dragonflies this book is essential. However from my perspective I would rather pay twice as much and get a book where the beautiful photos could be viewed in all their glory.

somewhat of a disappointment
I have taken this book on a dozen field trips, and it is extremely difficult to use. The pictures are photographs, untouched and any many cases unclear against a poor background. The only good thing about the book is that it is better than nothing. Just a little.

Another minus about this book. If you get the pages wet they stick together and will not come apart once dry. A very bad trait for a field guide.

Old Style Field Guide
As a person with many birding field guides the organization of this book was a disapointment. The plates (like the old Peterson's) are together in the back of the book, seperate from the text. I would have liked to see something like Petersons arrows at definitive field marks. The book is organized by families - as a beginner I would have prefered colors (but do not organize my bird books by color). The book is heavy and large for carrying in the field. But it is one of the few guides to dragonflies - better than nothing. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Great coloring book for insect lovers!
This coloring book has simple line drawings showing realistic depictions of all kinds of insects. In addition it gives great information about each one. And there is a section with a small version of the line drawing already colored in for reference. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Excelent book!
This is an excellent book. If you love ants, or you are starting to study them, or simply like to read excellent science books, this one's for you. It is very well written, and, although it is technical in many aspects, it is a delight to read it. It is full of pictures, diagrams and graphs of almost any aspect you can imagine. Almost any subject that the book addresses is explained at length in a clear and understandable way. However, there are some parts of it where you need some background in biology and mathematics to understand the book.

Both Holldobler and Wilson, who have a strong background in ant studies, have outdone themselves. In this book you can learn about virtually any aspects concerning ants, from their anatomy to their classification and more. And besides this, the book also teaches a lot of things not only related to ants but more general, like evolution and kin selection (applied not only to ants but also to eusocial insects). Learning so much about the ants makes you change your viewpoint about this little animal and makes you think about how incredible nature (or God) is to create such beautiful, incredible animals.

The definitive ant book
I received a copy of this book back in the early 1990s and have gone back to read it on several occasions. The book is massive consisting of over 730 pages in a large 12 x 10 format. It contains hundreds of illustrations including several color plates and some really amazing paintings of various types of ants and hive culture.

The information is exhaustive ranging from the extremely technical to the conversational. Parts of the book will be mainly of interest to the hardcore entomologist but the majority of the book is easily understood by the layman, well maybe not always easily but it's not too difficult and it's worth the effort.

I can't imagine a better or more complete text on the subject of ants. Anyone with any real interest in the subject should not be without this book.

Everything you would ever want to know about the Ant
I have always had an interest in insects from an early age. As a child I was always capturing ants and trying to setup ant colonies. So when I saw this book at the store I had to buy it. Just looking at it in the bookstore I was drawn in by the many pages of detailed drawings and photographs.

The book can be a bit technical at times. It used advanced (to me anyway) entomological terms that can sometimes make understanding some of the topics difficult. Though it is clearly targeted at an adult audience, I would not hesitate to give this book to a bright child who is particularly interested in ants.

Just about anything you might want to know about the ant is covered. The book did a good job of explaining some questions that I had always had of ants. For example, how can the queen continue to lay fertilized eggs endlessly without a "partner".

The only topic I might have liked seen described at greater length would have been keeping ants. How to excavate a colony. How to obtain a queen. And son on.

Not for the amateur
Of course this is a great book. But it's also very big...and very technical. I know more about insects than the normal person and I was lost after the first couple pages. If you want a neat ant book read Journey to the Ants. It's more down to earth and easier to read and written by the same people. I wouldn't try to tackle this until you got a few entomology courses under your belt....

Excellent
This is a book that makes you want to drop everything and dedicate all your time to the study of ants. There are not too many books out there that are so well-written that they induce such emotions. It is a sizable book, and for those outside the field of myrmecology, it probably would not be read cover-to-cover. But every page of this book is fascinating, and considering the time and effort the authors put into it, it is no surprise that it has been the target of numerous awards. The authors dedicate the book to the "next generation of myrmecologists", and no doubt they have convinced many individuals to take up the field. The authors convey to the reader that the study of ants is a thriving field, and there are lots of research questions unanswered in their study.
Space prohibits a detailed review, so I will list instead the parts of the book that I consider most interesting: 1. The variation in the mode of colony founding among the different species of ants. 2. The mating habits of ants, in particular the female-calling and aggregation syndromes. 3. The description of the experiment showing the role of male pheromones in carpenter ants. 4. The statistical analysis of the time of swarming. 5. The comparison between different hypotheses for polyandry. 6. The universal occurence across species of 'nanitics' or 'minims' in the first brood and their ergonomic advantages. 7. The parental manipulation and offspring consent hypotheses for the origin of worker castes. 8. Eusociality and chromosome number as a strategy for reducing genetic variance. 9. The role of learning in colony-level recognition. 10. The presence of conflict between queens and workers in the management of new queens and males. 11. The existence of modulatory communication in ants (this was definitely the most interesting discussion in the book ). 12. The steps in the evolution of physical castes. 13. The result that colony-level selection is the opposite of what one would expect from individual-level selection, the later tending to improving phenotypes. 14. The use of allometric space to model evolutionary optimization. 15. The capability of associative learning in ants. 16. Ant-termite warfare. 17. The entire chapter on army ants. ... Read more