Smithsonian Handbook of Interesting Insects

A stunning entomology field guide featuring 126 exquisite full-color photographs and concise, informative descriptions for bug identification, suitable for insect lovers of all ages.

This colorful insect field guide presents striking photographic profiles of insects, each one specially selected from the 34 million specimens found in one of the oldest and most important entomology collection in the world, held by London's Natural History Museum.

The book showcases more than 100 significant bug species, including the ruby-tailed wasp, the garden tiger moth, the jewel beetle, the flying stick insect, the orchid bee, and many others. Readers will learn to distinguish, for example, the translucent abdomen of the great pied hoverfly from the yellow or orange markings on a giant scoliid wasp.
Based on the most up-to-date science, this in-depth handbook includes:

• insightful introduction that explores the different orders and families found in the insect classes and an explanation of how they have evolved
• 126 magnificent full-color photographs showing the bugs in dazzling detail
• descriptive captions outlining the bug's lifestyle, distribution, size, and key characteristics

Accessibly written, this is the perfect gift for insect lovers, from curious kids who love bugs to seasoned scientists and amateur science readers alike.

BLANCA HUERTAS is the Senior Curator of Lepidoptera at the Natural History Museum, London. GAVIN BROAD is the Principal Curator of Insects at the Natural History Museum, London.