Insect Natural History : 8

This volume deals with the natural history of British insects, introducing readers to the latest discoveries and ideas about these fascinating creatures. The author brings together a wealth of scientific knowledge, often of absorbing interest, describing the remarkable features associated with insect lives.

While limited treatment is given to butterflies and moths—since excellent books on these insects are readily accessible—this book focuses on the insects that are harder to learn about: beetles, two-winged flies, plant-bugs, bees, lace-wings and the like. Books on such insects are few and far between, and most are rather technical in character, making this accessible guide particularly valuable.

An increasing number of people are interested in the insects of our countryside, and this book is intended to fill their needs. It will increase the pleasure of observing these creatures and may induce some readers to become independent observers themselves. There is a great field to be explored by anyone drawn to study in detail even the very commonest of our insects, no matter to what groups they belong.

One of the book's special features is the large number of colour photographs depicting different aspects of insect life. Almost all were taken by Mr. Beaufoy from living insects, with forty coloured plates of which only seven were taken from dead and 'set' specimens—a remarkable achievement by this outstanding expert in nature photography.