The Practical Entomologist

From exploring the basic principles of entomology to starting a collection, The Practical Entomologist is the perfect introduction to the world of insects.
Beginning with the basics, the text describes what characterizes an insect, including anatomy and the life cycle. It takes an order-by-order look at insects, explaining how each group differs from another and why certain types of insects have been classified together.
The book shows you not only what to look for but how and where to look for it -- from capturing and keeping live insects to ways of making a collection and taking photographs. Tips on keeping a field notebook are also included.
Packed with more than 200 full-color illustrations, this comprehensive guide is a valuable reference tool for nature enthusiasts.

For beginners who wish to be serious hobbyists, these two latest entries in Fireside's "Practical" series (see Rick Imes's The Practical Botanist and Steve Parker's The Practical Paleontologist , LJ 6/15/91) can also help high school and college students understand basic tenets of geology and biology. Each book offers an overview of the main principles of its field. The Practical Geologist describes the history of the solar system, planetary development, and plate tectonics. The Practical Entomologist looks at anatomy and taxonomy. Each book describes proper fieldwork procedures, explains how to employ collecting tools and techniques, cautions readers about preserving rare specimens, and offers tips on keeping notes and mounting accurately documented collections. Major portions of each book are devoted to descriptions of particular specimens: insect families and species for entomology. The Practical Geologist contains an exhaustive explanation of how to draw geologic maps of rock layers by tracing outcrops. The Practical Entomologist lists organizations and biological supply companies that sell collecting gear and insects for study. Libraries will find these volumes an effective complement to field guides, especially for readers interested in learning how to get started building a serious geological or insect collection.-- Laurie Tynan, Montgomery Cty.
Norristown P.L., Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.