Ninety-nine More Maggots, Mites, and Munchers [Paperback]

May R. Berenbaum (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1993

May R. Berenbaum's initial collection of insect cameos, Ninety-nine Gnats, Nits, and Nibblers, was praised by Library Journal as an "illuminating book that may turn the disgust with which many people greet these fascinating creatures to curiosity and admiration." This companion volume runs the gamut from the regrettably familiar, including mosquitoes, ticks, cockroaches, and what the author describes as "other arthropodan indignities, " to the bizarre and obscure, creatures such as sheep keds, mantispids, and reindeer throat bots. Berenbaum's aim is to bring science as painlessly as possible to those who thirst for knowledge about the little beings they encounter in their homes, gardens, and backyards - or on their bodies - but who have neither the patience nor the expertise to track down and read scientific texts. Combining a naturalist's keen observation of the subject with witty wordplay and amazing anecdotes, Berenbaum has provided a uniquely informative and entertaining book, useful not only for the scientific novice but also for entomologists who need a handy guide for their own use or for use in teaching, especially in introductory classes.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

With cheese skippers, bluegrass billbugs, thrips, bagworms, walkingsticks, mange mites, fire ants and sweat bees, what's not to like? These fine bugs, plus 91 more, are depicted, explained and otherwise featured in all their glory. Berenbaum seems to know everything there is to know about insects, and she imparts her wisdom in humorous, engrossing, elucidating prose.

From Booklist

As she did in her previous book, Ninety-nine Gnats, Nits, and Nibblers (1989), Berenbaum presents the life cycles and lifestyles of all sorts of insects and arthropods in an enjoyable and witty style. Her nine chapters each contain 11 short bugographies; she groups species not taxonomically, but according to their effects on humans and other animals, what they eat, and where they are found. She discusses each species' growth stages, its size, and its chosen home and diet (this aspect is sometimes not for the squeamish). Berenbaum, an entomologist at the University of Illinois, includes a great deal of material about the mating habits of insects and arthropods, assuring us that "this reflects not so much the sorry state of entomologists' minds but rather the uniqueness of the whole business." This book will be, to many who read it, unexpectedly fun. The pages flow by as the common pests encountered become somewhat less horrid, and the unusual bugs seem to come from another world. After reading this book, you'll be more likely to study than to squish the next tiny member of the animal kingdom that you see. Patrick Wall --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press (December 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0252063228
• ISBN-13: 978-0252063220
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,876,824 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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