Customer Reviews

An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America

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While designed for the generalist working in the area of macrobenthic taxonomy, "An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America" stands as one of the classics in its field. Nine orders of aquatic insects are classified, generally to the level of genus. Some information is provided about collection, preservation, phylogeny, ecology, respiration, and developmental biology in the introductory chapters. Each key to the individual Orders contains additional information specific to that Order. All of the keys are extensively referenced to illustrations. Each section is supported by an extensive bibliography. The section on the Diptera is subdivided to cover the major families individually. The spiral binding allows the book to lie flat while the user manipulates specimens under the microscope - an under-appreciated bonus. Some of the keys are a little buggy, but this is a 'must have' for aquatic entomologists of all levels of expertise.

This book is very technical, but it is a fantastic book for identifying insects. Probably the best.

I am a fly fisherman who purchased this title to learn more about the aquatic insects in streams and lakes. I was very happy with the drawings (plates) in this book, but they and the text are a little above (graduate school level?) what most fly fishermen are looking for. The drawings are of insect parts, not the entire insect in most cases! What is helpful is the detailed description of the life of each insect, and what its behavior is and where it would be found in Lentic (lakes) or Loctic (streams) bodies of water. Before purchasing this detailed study of entomology, fly fishers should first read more practical titles such as "Caddisflies" by Gary Lafontaine, "Mayflies - Top to Bottom" by Shane Stalcup, or/and "Matching Mayflies" by Dave Hughes. The great thing about Aquatic Insects Of North America is that in this one text, it covers completely all of the insects fly fishermen will need to know...just put on your PHD hat before reading it. It is spiral bound and well indexed by families!