An Inordinate Fondness for Beetles (Henry Holt Reference Book)

A Choice Outstanding Academic Book, 1997

A Library Journal Best Reference Book of 1996.

YA. A beautiful and thorough look at the entire realm of beetles including the locales in which they are found, history, anatomy and physiology, and their relationships with humans. The incredible full-color photographs bring readers up close without a magnifying lens at hand, and the seemingly infinite variations within the species due to size, structure, and color are easily seen. Diagrams clarify concepts that could not be photographed. If the outstanding, large, colorful photos do not grab browsers' attention, the opening statement will: "Beetles...representing a fifth of all living organisms...." While the text is scientific, it is very readable. The appendixes supply information not found in other books. While this title will not serve as a guide for identification, it is an excellent resource for naturalists.?Gary Fillmore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Beetles (Coleoptera) are the most diverse and successful insects that ever lived on Earth. They appeared before the dinosaurs, the ants, or the flies, and today there are more than a quarter million species of them. Their recipe for success? An armored skeleton that protects the entire body, including the flight wings, allowing beetles to enter and flourish in every habitat on Earth. This work introduces the lay reader to these extraordinary creatures through a readable text that conveys the enthusiasm of those who study beetles, and splendid color photographs, by Lisa Charles Watson and others, of more than 220 species. The six chapters cover beetle numbers and diversity, their body plan and functions, their life histories, habits, and defenses, their evolution, their interactions with humans, and their aesthetic importance and conservation. An excellent addition to public libraries. [This title was chosen as one of LJ's Best Reference Books of 1996; see p. 36-40.]?Annette Aiello, Smithsonian Tropical Research Inst., Panam.
-?Annette Aiello, Smithsonian Tropical Research Inst., Panama
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In the title, apocryphally ascribed to the great scientist J. B. S. Haldane, God is allegedly the one fond of beetles, because He created so many varieties of them. Ordinary mortals like them, too, and Evans and Bellamy have written this colorful bestiary for them. The variety of the little buggers (and some are not so little) is astounding and reflects their evolutionary success in every land environment over the past 240 million years. Visually they can be stunningly jewel-like, a facet of attraction beautifully illustrated in about 100 color plates. The text tightens the pictures to an understanding of beetles' anatomy, possible evolutionary history, behavior, and adaptation strategies. The graphic design helps induce this strong picture-word connection: one never need search around for a photo's pertinent text; biological terms are in boldface; headings are in red and often in puns--with such groaners as "The Beetles--Yesterday and Today." Numerous line drawings further strengthen the impression this resource makes; and whether students or collectors, its users will be well launched into coleopterology. Gilbert Taylor