Introduction to California Beetles (California Natural History Guides) (Paperback)

by Arthur V. Evans (Author), James N. Hogue (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The amazing armored bodies of beetles allow them to bore into plant tissue, navigate fast-moving streams, burrow through seemingly impenetrable soil, survive blistering heat, and fly. With around 8,000 species living in California, beetles represent the largest and most diverse group of organisms in the state and are an excellent subject for study since they can be found almost everywhere--in backyards, gardens, forests, and deserts. This, the only guide to California beetles available, is the perfect book for anyone--from outdoor enthusiasts to professional biologists--who wants to explore the fascinating world of beetles. In addition to providing information on where to find and how to study beetles, the book also gives an engaging and accessible overview of their natural history, biology, distribution, and relation to humans.
* 51 color illustrations and supporting black-and-white photographs and drawings identify the characteristics and habits of 23 of the most conspicuous and interesting beetle families in California
* Chapters describe beetles of special interest--fossil species, endangered species, pests, biological control agents, and more
* Includes an annotated list of terrestrial and aquatic beetle habitats by season, information on starting and caring for a beetle collection, details on keeping beetles alive in the classroom, and a checklist of California beetle families

From the Inside Flap
"This is a very important work that could have only been accomplished by experts who have had a lifelong love of beetles." --David L. Wood, author of Pests of the Native California Conifers

"Any outdoorsy person who pays more than passing attention to insects will want to make room for this book in their day packs."--Michael Caterino, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

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Product Details

• Paperback: 316 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (March 29, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520240359
• ISBN-13: 978-0520240353
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #921,894 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Introduction to California Beetles is really an introduction to IPM, February 15, 2007

By	Ruth Troetschler (Los Altos, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

An an entomologist I was really a little disappointed in this book because it has very few pictures of beetles and seemed unbalanced for the target audience. I you want an introduction to the life history and ecology of some of the most important beetles, this is the book for you -- but be prepared to struggle through some hard vocabulary. (For example, microfossils, radiocarbon dating (undefined), Pleistocene matrix, and faunal are found on page 100). If you want to identify beetles, purchase a field guide.