An Insect a Day

Discover the world of insects with a daily, illustrated profile introducing some of the planet’s smallest but most vital and intriguing creatures. 366 daily entries take you through the year providing insights into global insect species. Each entry presents a striking photograph or entomological study; most images are full colour to enjoy the eye-popping colours and patterning of the insects described. Informative notes include scientific names and noteworthy science, ecology and folklore. Meet the blood-sucking Vampire moth; the well-camouflaged Orchid Mantis; and the largest insect from the fossil record, which was an ancestor of the dragonfly with a wingspan of some 70cm. Plus discover the roles insects play within the ecosystem, such as the midges which pollinate the cocoa plant, and the beetles which clear away debris; as well as the cultural associations, from the knocking of the Death Watch Beetle thought to portend death, the sacred scarab beetles of Ancient Egypt, to Charles Dickens writing about the luck of having a ‘Cricket on the Hearth’. From bees, ants, and butterflies; to weevils, mites and moths: enter the world of these fascinating creatures all year-round.

Hardback
22.5 x 16.5cm
368 pages
With colour and black-and-white photographs and illustrations throughout
FSC accredited paper