Scorpion Man: Exploring the World of Scorpions

A photographic account of the work of a wildlife biologist who specializes in scorpions.

Grade 4-6?The work of Gary Polis is the subject of this book. The clearly written and well-organized text succinctly describes the man's childhood and early interest in biology, educational background, career as a science teacher in secondary schools, and research as a scientist specializing in the study of scorpions. As Pringle points out, Polis's project "...was the first intensive study of scorpions in their natural habitat, using UV [ultraviolet] light." Another chapter provides brief material on these arachnids' physical and behavioral characteristics. Polis himself supplied over two dozen clear, full-color photographs for the book. Two shots of scorpions taken under ultraviolet light are particularly stunning. There are some minor omissions. Only the sand scorpion is identified by scientific name, and the text states that "Just one deadly species lives in the United States," but neglects to name it. A good companion to Jan Mell's The Scorpion (Crestwood, 1990), which provides basic information but lacks Scorpion Man's fascinating detail on the animals' behavior.?Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 4-7. This fascinating look at the scorpion is also a revealing profile of the life and research of biologist Gary Polis. Pringle follows Polis' interest in the feared creatures from 1973, when he was a graduate student investigating desert biology at the University of California, to his current status as a worldwide authority. Polis' own vivid, close-up photographs illustrate the book, showing the scorpion in its natural habitat. Among them is a shot of the scorpions' elaborate courtship dance and another of a female eating her mate. Young people with a natural curiosity about animals or who are familiar with Pringle's other, similar books--for example, Batman (1991)--will be captivated. Lauren Peterson