Wasps of the World: A Guide to Every Family

A richly illustrated guide to wasps around the world

Wasps have been around since before the dinosaurs and are one of the world’s largest insect groups. More than 150,000 species have been identified, and while the black-and-yellow insect with a cinched waist may be the most familiar, most wasps are tiny parasitoids that use other insects for food. Wasps of the World provides a breathtaking look at the diverse characteristics, habitats, and lifestyles of these extraordinary insects.

• Features more than 250 stunning color photos of numerous species
• Profiles more than 100 families, with absorbing commentary detailing the range, habits, and notable features of members of each family
• Every profile includes a distribution map and a table of essential facts about size, diet, reproduction, and habitats
• Discusses the evolution and biology of wasps, exploring the vital role they play in supporting healthy ecosystems
• Shows how scientific research is expanding our knowledge about wasps and their behavior

Simon van Noort is curator of entomology at the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town and coordinator of WaspWeb.org, a bioinformatics resource for wasps of the Afrotropical region. Gavin Broad is principal curator in charge of insects at the Natural History Museum in London and associate editor of the European Journal of Taxonomy and Insect Conservation and Diversity.