A visual directory featuring every order of the insect world, with a natural history introduction.

From the publisher. This beautifully illustrated book provides an overview of the world of insects. The encyclopedia of insect species is organized according to geographical region and then by insect order.

Dive into the world of creepy-crawlies in this Encyclopedia of Insects. Packed with hundreds of bugs, every one is looked at in fascinating detail by natural history expert Jules Howard. From the cutest and most beautiful, to the deadliest and most disgusting, there's something for everyone in this book which highlights the importance of the insect world. Plus, find out what actually makes an insect, an insect – with guest entries from the non-insects: centipedes, spiders, woodlice, and snails. Featuring 300 bugs!

Inlcudes an in-depth look at the evolution and incredible diversity of insects, and presents a selection of the most common as well as the most unusual species around the world.

Adored for their beauty and variety, butterflies and moths captivate nature enthusiasts all over the world. Yet these exquisite insects, which comprise the animal grouping Lepidoptera, are not only attractive to watch but are of immense biological importance. They are both pollinators, and scientific ?indicators? of changing levels of light, heat and availability of food ? meaning that some species are the subject of intense scientific study. Despite challenges posed by shrinking forests and open spaces, many butterflies and moths are adapting well to their changing habitats, proving that ? despite their seemingly fragile appearance ? they are ingeniously equipped to deal with a range of environmental factors. This superb visual resource profiles some of the world's best-loved and most intriguing butterflies, moths and skippers, with a geographically-split directory of 600 detailed entries, each containing useful identification summaries and quick-reference panels on distribution, habitat, food, wingspan and status. The majority of species are realized in exceptional full-colour artworks, from full-body illustrations to drawings depicting detail such as the pattern on the reverse side of the wings, recognizable when the creature is resting, as well as unusual markings and pupae. Butterflies in particular can be immensely variable and some have evolved deceptive (and defensive) physical traits which mean they can become confused with other species. Read, for example, about the sub-Saharan common graphium, which has the power to mimic a poisonous butterfly from another family, or the blood-red glider, immensely valued among collectors for its rich red colour. Some species are well-travelled, such as the familiar coppers whose light-catching wings can be seen in habitats as widespread as Europe, central Asia and China. Others, such as South America's giant swallowtail ? a rainforest species with wings spanning some 250mm/10in ? are being placed under increasing pressure by the collapse of their very specialized habitats. Moths remain mysterious to many people, and are often perceived, at best, as little worthy of attention, or, at worst, as pests. Yet this insect group, which contains both day- and night-fliers, displays unique and varied forms of behaviour that makes them endlessly interesting to observe. With coverage of both day- and night-flying species, the reader can learn all about the colourful cinnabar moth, whose caterpillars turn cannibal during food shortages, or the puss and tiger moths, whose hindwings may suddenly display flashes of ?warning? colour to deter threats. The aptly-named hummingbird hawk moth is a nature lover's favourite for its ability to feed, hovering, at the heads of flowers. Then there are the silk moths ? domesticated by collectors for centuries ? and the skippers, predominantly grassland-dwellers who occupy the evolutionary middle ground between butterflies and moths. A superb photographic reference section covers the life cycle of all of these creatures, with detailed descriptions of internal anatomy and the powerful structure of the wings. There are stunning close-up images of compound eyes and feeding equipment, as well as information on classification and life cycle ? including hibernation habits ? plus evolutionary characteristics such as melanism, camouflage and mimickry. For those who want to get closer, there are tips on how to attract moths and butterflies to your own backyard, the type of species you are likely to see in nearby habitats, and take part in conserving species at local level. With a total of 1000 colour photographs, artworks and maps, and containing meticulously researched and accessible text throughout, this is the essential companion for butterfly and moth enthusiasts everywhere.

The number of species that make up insects, arachnids, and myriapoda (centipedes and millipedes) is uncountable and has evolved to fill every possible ecological niche. This visual encyclopedia is a fascinating and informative study of these tiny and amazing creatures. Written by two brothers who have devoted their careers to investigating bugs and insects, this book even features a species never before documented.

Discover the insects of the world! Earth’s creepy crawlies may be small but they are far from boring! Learn how they contribute to life on the planet, where they live, what they eat, how their bodies work and what makes them so special. This beautifully illustrated bug book for kids for ages 7-9 is packed with: • Fascinating information about bugs that supports and goes beyond the curriculum • Stories and facts to convey the amazing world of creepy-crawlies • Facts and information, with detailed illustrations and photographs of insects, spiders, molluscs and more • Compelling text written by insect expert, author and television presenter Jess French • Stunning photographs of individual creatures, from beetles to butterflies Take a magical journey through the forest floor, down into the deepest caves and even across the open ocean. The Book of Brilliant Bugs, written by insect expert Jess French, takes children on an expedition into the bug kingdom. The insect book is filled with fascinating facts about these little animals, how bugs pass on messages, compete for food, seek true love and fill the air with buzzing wings. It also shows how bugs help look after our planet and how we can help them. Young animal enthusiasts can spot and learn all the main bug groups. From worms, snails, millipedes and centipedes, spiders and scorpions, woodlice, bees and even bugs that glow! This educational natural science book will encourage children to love and appreciate science and nature.