With lush color photographs and lavishly detailed illustrations, this encyclopedia presents a striking abundance of information at a glance. Also noteworthy is the scholarly text, a comprehensive overview of these frequently studied phyla.
A major article introduces the main classes: insects and arachnids. Articles pertaining to specific species follow. For example, 23 species of the class Insecta--with a separate article for millipedes and centipedes, members of the superclass myriapoda--are featured. Entries vary in length, depending upon the complexity of the species. Information on stoneflies is covered in two pages, while Crickets and grasshoppers requires twelve pages of text. All articles--penned by authorities in the field of biological study--provide current scientific information and research findings relating to physiology and to behavior.
Several valuable features are standard in each article. Most significant are the "Factfiles," which provide a quick summary of valuable statistics, including the order, class, physical features, life cycles, population, habitat, color, reproduction habits, and longevity of the species. Conservation status, a key consideration for many researchers, is also noted, using IUCN (World Conservation Union) categories as a descriptor. Boxed "Special Feature" (for example, "Fly-Borne Diseases") and "Photo Story" (such as "Building Nests of Mud and Paper" ) articles supplement the erudite text with fascinating sidelights concerning behavior, morphology, and economic and medical importance, among other topics.
Although a glossary of biological terms is included, sidebars defining these terms on the pages on which they appear might have been a better placement because most students will not turn to the end of the volume. A bibliography of sources and an index complete the book.
One thinks short and concise when perusing an encyclopedia. Such is not the case with this resource, which is strongly recommended for high-school, public, and academic libraries. For students, Marshall Cavendish's multivolume Insects and Spiders [RBB F 1 03] offer less scholarly but equally attractive coverage. RBB
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Review
The illustrations and captions are simply excellent and lend much to the text written by noteworthy experts ... highly recommended. (Johnson Thane
Library News for Zoos and Aquariums 200301)
Every page contains gorgeous color photographs or drawings ... so attractive that even reluctant readers will stretch their skills. (Rachel Forman
Science Teacher 200305)
The photographs and drawings are excellent, the text is readable without sacrificing accuracy and content ... Very highly recommended. (Michal Kubick
Wildlife Activist 200304)
The organization is very clear and the writing is highly readable and accurate... This is a fine book. (Fred Burchstead
American Reference Books Annual, Volume 35 2004)
Fascinating detail on behavior, morphology, ecology, life cycles and economic or medical importance ... Scholarly yet colorful. (T. McKimmie
Choice 200301)
Beautifully illustrated encyclopedias ... provide a wealth of information about how these creatures interact with one another and people. (
Science News 20021123)
A striking abundance of information at a glance ... strongly recommended for high-school, public and academic libraries. (
Booklist 20030315)
Superbly illustrated with spectacular pictures ... the text is clear and well organized. (Bernard J.R. Philogene
Science Books and Films 20030415)
Highly recommended without reservations... a 'must have' addition for the personal collections of all with an interest in the subject. (Lynn C. Westney
E-Streams 200301)
For anyone researching arthropods, this volume will provide a wealth of authoritative data and visual material. Highly Recommended. (Gillian Richardson
Canadian Materials )
Engaging, excellently laid out, and an absolute joy to read. The photographs ranged from very good to excellent to amazing. (Randy F. Lauff
Canadian Field Naturalist )
