From School Library Journal
YA-The large size of this book and the wealth of glossy, full-color photos (over 300) give an initial impression that it belongs in a children's collection. The actual text, however, is substantial and offers detailed information and observations on a multitude of entomological topics, including "Evolution: 375 million Years of Evidence," "Insects in History and Prehistory," "Growth and Metamorphosis," and "Insect Sex." The photos magnify to breathtaking proportions the amazing habits and physical features of dozens of the world's insects, pictured in their natural habitats-hunting, courting, burrowing, and eating. The authors successfully share with readers their own fascination with and respect for these small creatures. Whether looking eye to compound eye with a fly, examining the scales on a tiger swallowtail butterfly's wing, or coming literally face to face with a praying mantis or tarantula, readers will be mesmerized by the startling camera shots. Interesting trivia, quotes, and statistics are sprinkled liberally throughout in attractive sidebars and boxes. Although there is no index, this book is easy to use, in part because of the large headings and copious pictures. The presentation of the material and the exceptional photos will attract, absorb, and engage any teen.
Becky Ferrall, Stonewall Jackson High School, Manassas, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From the Inside Flap
Insects are the most fascinating and successful creatures on earth. Some are beautiful, others gross, but all affect our lives in unseen ways. In Bugs, you'll discover details about their behavior, physical features and ways of life that are totally different from our own. It's like uncovering an alien nation in your backyard.
Bugs have an amazing ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. From brilliant camouflage to blood sucking fangs to complex flying techniques and seemingly endless variations of multifaceted legs, they can live underwater, at incredible altitudes and extreme temperatures, in jungles, forests or cities. They account for more than half of all living things on the planet and dominate global ecology.
Every insect has a head, thorax, abdomen, three pairs of joined legs and an exoskeleton, yet their class possesses the widest array of appearances and behaviors in the animal kingdom. Some have ears on their legs, others a tongue on each foot. Moths' antennae are used to smell for mates while ants taste with theirs.
You'll learn what is and is not an insect, how they evolved, how they help and harm humans, and the fascinating details of their lives from birth to death. Colorful features focus on each significant order of the insect world from giant dragonflies, feisty cockroaches, attacking praying mantises, and burrowing spiders to pinching earwigs, microscopic aphids, swimming beetles, fleshy caterpillars and elegant butterflies.
You'll also witness insects' remarkable defense and attack mechanisms like the Bombardier beetle which sprays a boiling hot liquid that burns an attacker's skin, or the Panamanian fishing net spider that throws a silken net over its prey, or stinging ants that bring paralyzed spiders into their anthills for winter feeding.
Many species have complex methods of communication. Moths excrete chemicals to attract mates, katydids rub their legs together like tiny screeching violins, fireflies flash Mother Nature's version of Morse code to attract mates, and honeybees use a intricate waggle dance to direct other bees to flower nectar.
Surprising similarities between the bug and human worlds come to light. The females of at least eight species of cockroaches nurse their young with protein rich excretions that their nymphs drink from an opening on the mother's abdomen. Job specialization allows an anthill to function like a disciplined corporation--each ant instinctively knowing their job and bustling about to complete each task.
Often mischaracterized as humanity's mortal enemies, insects play a vital role in the Earth's intricate ecosystem. They pollinate plants, fertilize soil and recycle waste. If the human race were to disappear, it would have little effect on the insect world, but if insects disappeared it would throw the world's ecological balance drastically--and fatally--off-kilter. They are older than the dinosaurs and just as enthralling, and their continued existence offers the opportunity to look closely at their actions and interactions.
In Bugs, you'll get an up-close look at the intricate and intriguing world of insects that surrounds us and often remains just out of view.
