A Field Guide to the Tiger Beetles of the United States and Canada: Identification, Natural History, and Distribution of the Cicindelidae - Softcover

Pearson, David L.; Knisley, C. Barry; Kazilek, Charles J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195181565 ISBN 13: 9780195181562

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2006

Synopsis

This color illustrated field and natural history guide treats all 107 known tiger beetle species found in North America above the Mexican border. Tiger beetles are among the most widely found and popular families of insects worldwide. Enabling amateur naturalists and professionals to use two identification methods--comparison of colored pictures to live or mounted specimens, and use of illustrated dichotomous keys--full biological accounts emphasize points for identification, behaviors, and habitats. Distribution maps show where various species and subspecies can be found. The authors promote a new and exciting activity of insect watching as an alternative or supplement to collecting (the general feeling among "butterfliers" and dragonfly and damselfly enthusiasts). Communicating primarily through the un-refereed journal Cincindela, (Tiger Beetler) specialists themselves prefer the term, "cicindelophiles." They represent an ardent sublet of the growing number of serious amateur naturalists who invest in outdoor activities seeking and identifying birds, butterflies, dragonflies, flowering plants, and various other forms of life.

About this title

About the Author

David L. Pearson is a research professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. He is co-author of The New Key to Ecuador and the Galapagos and of Ecuador in this Series.

Review

"Beyond its value in providing a comprehensive treatment of the tiger beetles found in North America, this book also serves as an example of the opportunities available for professional entomologists to broaden and increase interest in insect groups by members of the general public."--The Coleopterists Bulletin

"The book exhibits the highest standards for field guides and should do much to further the authors' aim of raising the profile of tiger beetles as an important flagship insect group in North America. It is well produced and excellent value."--Journal of Insect Conservation

"The book educates as well as entertains. ... Just reviewing this book stimulated my interest in tiger beetles: I bet your reaction will be the same."--Arizona Wildlife Views

"Valuable teaching reference and a 'pocket' taxonomic tool for the field ecological entomologist as well as the keen naturalist."--The Author Journal Compilation

"Overall, this is a highly anticipated book that lives up to its hype."--Entomological Society of America

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0195181565
• ISBN 13: 9780195181562
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 227