From bumblebees to dragonflies, insects represent the most richly diverse class of creatures in the British Isles. The Royal Entomological Society Book of British Insects serves as a review of the 27 orders of British insects, complete with information on the classification, numbers of species, overall biology and importance of more than 500 families.
"There is a clear need for a comprehensive guide to all the British insect groups which can appeal to the native wildlife enthusiast while serving the professional entomologist," said Peter Barnard. "Until now there has also been no systematic account of all insect groups in one volume."
This book is the only modern systematic account of all 558 families of British insects, covering not just the large and familiar groups which are included in popular books, but even the smallest and least known. Each entry provides a comprehensive overview of all groups, which includes the economic importance and conservation status of each family.
Entries are beautifully illustrated throughout in full colour with photographs by experienced wildlife photographers to show the range of diversity, both morphological and behavioural, among the 24,000 species.
For historical context, The RES Book of British Insects explores a history of taxonomic entomology in the UK, highlighting how the Royal Entomological Society has provided a focus for systematic work on British insects by encouraging communication between amateur and professional entomologists while publishing its well-known series of identification guides.
This is a key reference work for serious students of entomology and amateur entomologists alike, as well as for professionals who need a comprehensive source of information about the insect groups of the British Isles they may be less familiar with.
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