Book Description
Many insects are difficult even for the experts to identify.In the new Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, readers will find a wealth of information on the amazing observable behaviors of insects and their fascinating life histories.Naturalists Kenn Kaufman and Eric Eaton use a broad ecological approach rather than overly technical terms, making the book accessible and understandable for everyone.The lively and engaging text emphasizes the insects that are most likely to catch our attention but includes information on all groups that can be recognized.The guide is lavishly illustrated, with more than 2,000 digitally enhanced photographs representing every major group of insects found in North America north of Mexico.Comprehensive yet compact, authoritative yet easy to understand, this is the perfect guide for anyone who wants to know more about the fascinating and diverse insects of North America. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Best in class
I see several reviews that indicate that information is lacking in this field guide. Well, it's a FIELD guide to the insects of North America. This is quite a daunting task. When I ordered this book, I was dubious that this book could fill this niche any better than any of the other field guide sized books on insects of this huge region. I was pleasantly surprised. In my opinion, this guide does an excellent job of covering species one is likely to encounter, but also representatives of strange or unusual species. Yes, it's a little skimpy on detailed information, but that is what is required in bringing a survey of biodiversity this variable to the field.As far as I know, there are no guides of any kind that provide range maps for all these (some little known) taxa. Yes, some well-known groups have useful range maps, but these are guides (and sometimes full-sized books) that deal with a single order of insects.

If you want a book small enough to take into the field, with an excellent representation of images for this highly diverse group of animals, this is the best I've used. Or, if you want an inexpensive and accessible resource to identify that brown, six-legged thing in your bath tub, this might be what you're looking for. If you are looking for a comprehensive reference on the diversity of insect life in North America, with images, range maps, keys, natural history, etc...., keep looking and let me know when you find one.

I'm not an entomologist, but have completed graduate course work in entomology.

Easy to use field guide for everybody.
The Kaufman guide has descriptions of many common species, with excellent photographs on the facing page (not on plates grouped together elsewhere in the volume, so that you have to have two different pages open at once).Eric Eaton's text makes for entertaining reading as well.It is impossible for any one guide to cover all the insects of North America.Although the authors claim to have only the most common species represented, I have identified some fairly obscure insects among my photographs.As a biology professor, people bring me all kinds of insects for identification.From now on, I'll be reaching for the Kaufman guide first whenever someone brings me an unknown bug.

Good Pictorial Identification
This book gives a good picture reference for trying to identify insects of North America.It does come up lacking if you are trying to critically identify through more than just an image.I would recommend using this book in concert with the Peterson Field Guide which provides much more detail for key characteristics useful for identification.What Kaufman lacks in that area however it makes up for with great photographs.

Great book for budding entomologists.
This book was recommended to us by the local 4H entomology judge at the county fair. We had been struggling with identifying insects using an old Peterson guide and Audubon guide. This book has them all! Great pictures and well-organized. Nice to see the corresponding caterpillars with the butterfly pictures.

another general insect book
The book is an excellent complement to the Peterson insect book. The range of insects pictured is wide. This does not teach about insect biology and the information for each species is very little. The species you run across in everyday life are here, or close relatives are here. Once you know a name you can start to find out more! ... Read more

Book Description

Garden Insects of North America is the most comprehensive and user-friendly guide to the common insects and mites affecting yard and garden plants in North America. In a manner no previous book has come close to achieving, through full-color photos and concise, clear, scientifically accurate text, it describes the vast majority of species associated with shade trees and shrubs, turfgrass, flowers and ornamental plants, vegetables, and fruits--1,420 of them, including crickets, katydids, fruit flies, mealybugs, moths, maggots, borers, aphids, ants, bees, and many, many more. For particularly abundant bugs adept at damaging garden plants, management tips are also included. Covering all of the continental United States and Canada, this is the definitive one-volume resource for amateur gardeners, insect lovers, and professional entomologists alike.

To ease identification, the book is organized by plant area affected (e.g., foliage, flowers, stems) and within that, by taxa. Close to a third of the species are primarily leaf chewers, with about the same number of sap suckers. Multiple photos of various life stages and typical plant symptoms are included for key species. The text, on the facing page, provides basic information on host plants, characteristic damage caused to plants, distribution, life history, habits, and, where necessary, how to keep "pests" in check--in short, the essentials to better understanding, appreciating, and tolerating these creatures.

Whether managing, studying, or simply observing insects, identification is the first step--and this book is the key. With it in hand, the marvelous microcosm right outside the house finally comes fully into view.

• Describes more than 1,400 species--twice as many as in any other field guide
• Full-color photos for most species--more than five times the number in most comparable guides
• Up-to-date pest management tips
• Organized by plant area affected and by taxa for easy identification
• Covers the continental United States and Canada
• Provides species level treatment of all insects and mites important to gardens
• Illustrates all life stages of key garden insects and commonly associated plant injuries
• Concise, clear, scientifically accurate text
• Comprehensive and user-friendly

Customer Reviews (19)

Garden Insects of North America
This bok is very inclusive in it's content and very easy to look up insect for information or identification.It is used by Master Gardeners in our part of the country wth great appreciation for a book of such quality buyt yet affordble.

Very Helpful
one shouldn't take this book lightly, it is a large and heavy tome with lots of great information and photos.i think that the author, whitney cranshaw, did a great job in how he presents the information.one bit that i would have liked to have is distribution map.information is given about distribution, but i like to have maps too.

i would have enjoyed even more information on each insect he covers, but that would make the book at least twice it's size.that probably wouldn't work at it is already 656 pages long.

it would also be neat if this author could do books on different regions of our country in this format.

Garden Insects of North America
Garden Insects of North America: The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Bugs (Princeton Field Guides)

Excellent reference guide. I'm a Master Gardener and it is frequently used when we either have a question of our own or from a Help Line caller. I liked it enough that I felt I needed my own personal copy for home and consulting use.

Wonderful Book for Any Gardener!
This book is truly amazing, and seems to be a very comprenehsive reference.I am still a 'budding' gardener, and all-too-often, I find myself in need of identifying a garden pest so that I can eradicate it properly.

What I love most about this book is that it has pictures of so many different types of the same bug, as well as the different life stages of the bus (for example, it has over 68 different pictures of numerous types of aphids, the different stages, and what the infected plant's symptoms may show).Additionally, the pictures are clearly labeled!

I'm thrilled with this book, and I'm sure I will use it for many, many years to come!

YOU GET YOUR MONIES WORTH WITH THIS ONE!
They really don't make one volume books on a given subject much better than this one.Now do keep in mind that one book simply cannot cover every single insect, bug or critter that plague a garden or orchard, but this one comes pretty close.The photographs are wonderful and not only give clear pictures of the adult insect, but also in it's various stages of growth, from egg on up.I am constantly turning to this work for the help I need.Other than using it for my garden and orchard, I also photograph insects and other small creatures and plants for a hobby.Many of these insects are quite difficult to identify and I find myself turning to this volume more and more for initial identification before I grab a more detailed text type book.The written descriptions are quite accurate as is the other information, such as living conditions, geographical locations, life cycle, etc. If you must purchase only one book covering the subject, then this is the one you want.Recommend this one highly. ... Read more

Book Description
Detailed descriptions of insect orders, families, and many individual species are illustrated with 1,300 drawings and 142 superb color paintings.Illustrations - which use the unique Peterson Identification System to distinguish one insect from another - include size lines to show the actual length of each insect.A helpful glossary explains the technical terms of insect anatomy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

no phtoraphs
I was disappointed.The guide, although complete in many respects, has only black and white drawings.Also there were little in terms of interesting details about the insects, items such as folksy stories or enjoyable tidbits of knowledge.It was more of a science book for classroom.

Another Well Done Peterson Guide
This book is just another in the long line of Peterson Field Guides that provides good concise information of key characteristics to help identify the myriad of families of insects.Except for a few color plates, the majority is shown in black and white, so if you are looking for a book to identify strictly on sight, this might not be the book for you.I recommed using this book in concert with the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America which lacks some of the detailed identification characteristics, but uses photographs for all of it's insects.

Very Weak on Pictures
When I purchased this book I expected a "National Audubon" type field guide with many color pictures of insects. Instead it was quit thin and only show certain insect groups in color pictures. Extremely disappointed! I guess I should have stuck with Audubon field guides but I thought Peterson guides would be even more extensive. I was wrong! I'll never doubt again.

Field guide to Insects
Some of the taxonomy is out of date, some orders and families have changed since the book was published, but its still very useful when identifying insects. There are several illustrations of many of the common species including the colored plates. I used it several times while making a collection for an entomology class and was really glad I had it.

Good
It is a pretty good field guide, and pratically more powerful than the regular textbooks for the general insect taxonomy course, although it is an old edition and some taxa have been changed a lot. ... Read more

Book Description
The photographs in this book will surprise and delight even the most reluctant of amateur entomologists. Many of the insects' colors are brilliant and jewellike, and they are displayed beautifully here. This book and accompanying CD provide a unique doorway to enjoyment of the insect concerts and solos that dominate our natural soundscape during the summer and autumn. The text includes basic natural history information as well as identification tips and discussions of conservation issues -- such as insects as indicators of habitat health -- insects as pets, and appreciation of insect song. The sonagrams included in the book help toward that end, as does the seventy-minute audio CD, which features high-quality recordings of the songs of all species, track-keyed to the information presented in the text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Great resource for insect identification!
I have long wanted to know what insects I am hearing every summer and now have a chance of knowing which ones they are. The imagery is fantastic. The range maps will be a blessing to my students as they try to determine what type of katydid or cicada and so on they have nabbed for their bug collection.

The audio CD is great too! The only drawback there is that the holding compartment in the back of the book is poor. Right after I got this book I was taking it to school and the brand new CD fell out of the pouch and onto the pavement. Now its scratched and I don't know what to do. I usually make a backup of all my CDs right away but failed to do so with this one!

This book came to my attention when I wrote in my blog about the microphone I positioned in my backyard. I use it to listen to crickets and lots of other creatures out back, sometimes all night long.

An amazing book for the price!
Gorgeous photos, tons of info, and a cd of insect songs as well. If you're at all interest in these critters this is a must have book.Who knew there were so many different kinds of crickets out there?

Turning Dusk into a Time to Appreciate the Singing Insects Around You
At the start of the attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean, at Disneyland in California, you board a boat that takes you through a replica of Midwestern river dock at dusk.The most realistic part of that ride that gets you into the mood to shift focus away from the mob scene outside onto the scenes about to be revealed within is the sound of a cricket.If I think about that ride, I can hear that cricket.

Whenever I hear insect sounds at dusk and in the evening, I always wonder what kind of insect is making the sounds.That's something I've wondered since I was a small boy.Until now, I had few clues except for the occasional cricket I had observed while singing.But regardless of where I am, those sounds help me relax and become more peaceful.

With The Songs of Insects, I've added exponentially to my ability to relax, identify insects, and explore new dimensions of the insect songs.I was very impressed with the combination of CD and book.I started by listening to the CD because I was so interested in hearing new songs and knowing which insect made which song.I noted down the familiar sounds of my neighborhood in the woods and was astounded to see that we have katydids in our area.Checking the maps in the books, I was pleased to see confirmation that it was reasonable to expect those katydids in our area.

Next, I dived into reading about the katydids, crickets, and cicadas that I had heard before.But it was hard to take my eyes off the stunning photographs of those insects, displayed both against a white and a natural background.

After that, I went back and read the whole book and found myself intrigued by the opportunity to keep crickets as pets to bring the singing indoors.I was pleasantly surprised to see the graphic representations of the songs in the book as sonagrams in terms of time and pitch.I was also interested to read how much we lose our ability to hear in the upper ranges of insects:That explained why I couldn't hear anything in six places on the CD.Oops!No wonder people think I'm getting hard of hearing.But at least I could see what I am missing.

Later, as dusk fell, I found that the chorus outdoors became more distinct in my mind.I'm sure it's always as loud as it was last night, but I normally don't notice it.I'm grateful for this book and CD bringing my local symphony into greater awareness.

The CD also has samples from a CD entitled Insect Concertos.Based on these samples, I highly recommend the idea of acquiring that CD as an invitation into relaxation whenever you need one.

I highly recommend you acquire this book and CD if you have any interest in insect song, insect identification, or relaxation.

A whole new interest for nature lovers!
This is a great book and CD! I have already identified the sounds of 6-new to me- crickets and katydids I hear around my home, and I've just gotten started! The pictures are beautiful. I love counting the different sounds I hear, both day and night, and being able to find out what is singing these late summer and fall choruses. It gives a whole new field of interest for nature lovers.

Insects finally get recognition
I heard an interview on Chicago NPR with the authors of this book and CD compilation on the songs of insects.I was curious and followed the links to amazon.
Having been a long-standing amateur student of ornithology I was immediately motivated by the genius of the idea of a guide to insect songs.I bought the book/cd, and I think if you buy it too, you'll be very happy with the work.It is interesting and unique and a great way to open up areas of the brain that lie dormant beneath the contemporary condition. ... Read more

Amazon.com
There are about 100,000 kinds of insects in North America, so obviously they can't have a field guide in the same way the 650 species of birds do: something both portable and complete. The National Audubon Society has produced a remarkably useful compromise. This guide has photographs and descriptions of 550 insect species and 60 kinds of spiders. Most of the families of arthropods on the continent are covered, as are all of the most common species. It's a very useful resource for any North American naturalist, and the best choice for an adult who is not an expert entomologist. --Mary Ellen Curtin Book Description
Spiders, bugs, moths, butterflies, beetles, bees, flies, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and many other insects are detailed in more than 700 full-color photographs visually arranged by shape and color. Descriptive text includes measurements, diagnostic details, and information on habitat, range, feeding habits, sounds or songs, flight period, web construction, life cycle, behaviors, folklore, and environmental impact. An illustrated key to the insect orders and detailed drawings of the parts of insects, spiders, and butterflies supplement this extensive coverage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

On par with all the Audobon Guides
Very informative like all the Audobon Guides, and lots of photos, which really helps. Only caveat is that I'd like to see them have several volumes to cover ALL insects in North America, as there are too many to cover in just this one guide. Although I am aware that they have separate guides for butterflies.

National AuddubonGuide ;to North American insects &Spiders
Absolutely wonderful !!!my dinnette has windows to the West and North, and every morning while having my coffee I find myself referring to it as the butterflies and bees and birds share my lovely flowering trees and bushes...along with the ground squirrels, chip monks, rabbits and multiple birds.....if people could only take their example, it could be a better world.

a good solid field guide
As with all the Audubon Field Guides, so with this one: The color photos are the best of the guides; the durable construction with leatherette cover is very good; and the information is generally accurate and descriptive. The index is organized to cross refererence the color plates with the descriptions - it's pretty straight forward when looking up a bug. Yet, the summaries, as in all the Audubon books, are just too brief; this may be the most glaring of its deficiencies. Any future edition could use a fleshing out on the details.

The Audubon books are better than the Stokes and Peterson guides. As a general all round guide, these books have a place in any naturalist's library.

Extracts: A Field Guide for Iconoclasts

The Cloud Reckoner

Good quality guide and colorful images
Good quality, very comprehensive book with great color pictures. It could benefit from telling you if the creatires pose any threat to humans or are poisonous, as that's why I bought it!

How to find a spider!
I bought this book to look up a particular spider that I get at my house each summer.The book gave me the name and I looked up poison information on the net.The pictures are great and I am very happy with it.This year, we got a different type of spider and this book did not list it, but as a guide to the major varieties, it is the best... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Wonderful book for children
I bought this book for my 8-year-old niece, who loves bugs.She adores this book, everything about it. She loves the BIG pictures of the insects, as she can really study their anatomy.She loves the very informative descriptions given and also the variety of insects covered.I would highly recommend this book for any child who loves bugs.I, however, being a bit squeamish, got a little nauseous seeing such huge pictures of insects but it didn't bother my brave, curious niece at all.

Children's Guide
Very easy book for an 8 yr old to read. Much info and pictures.

Great "bug book"
My 3-year-old grandson is a big Spider-man fan, and he told me he wanted a book about spiders and "bugs." I bought this book because I liked the illustrations. They were clear and accurate, but not frightening. My grandson loves it. He actually goes to bed with it. He and I alternate pointing to the pictures and asking each other, "What is this?" Even though the text is for much older children, the pictures are ageless.

Great bug stuff for kids
Our kids loved this book!Not only was it written well enough to keep their interest but it left them wanting more!The descriptions were detailed enough for young minds but did not become a lecture sothat they "glazed over".It made our kids enjoy their learning time.The illustrations were large,detailed and numerous.This book was great for the ages it was written for and even younger; as our three and five year olds loved the pictures and started asking questions right away!This was an over all great book to help get a kid's thirst for learning started! ... Read more

Book Description
End your worries about garden problems with safe, effective solutions from The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control!* Easy-to-use problem-solving encyclopedia covers more than 200 vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, trees, and shrubs* Complete directions on how, when, and where to use preventive methods, insect traps and barriers, biocontrols, homemade remedies, botanical insecticides, and more* More than 350 color photos for quick identification of insect pests, beneficial insects, and plant diseasesNewly revised with the latest, safest organic controls.A New York Times Best Gardening Book ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Every gardner should read this
The health aspects of organic gardnening cannot be overstated. The petroleum-based fertilizers and toxic pesticides, genetic alterations, etc. of current farming techniques are causing many health problems and will increasingly do so. This book, and other books like it, reveal truly healthy and environmentally safe techniques to grow untainted food that is truly nutitious. Your local supermarket does not sell food, it sells commerical products. Food depleted of its nutrients cannot be "enriched"; what was healthy is now "dead" food. Much in the same way most of us have been duped into buying "health plans". Such should be more appropriately called "sickness plans". Health plans do nothing to keep you healthy. Not one penny of your payment goes to increasing your health and boosting your immune system. But rather you pay them to expose you to what can be deadly immunizations and in fact they are much more harmful than beneficial. Germs are not your enemy. The suppression of your immune system is. It is what you do to your own body and immune system. What you willing (and sometimes unwillingly) expose yourself to is what makes a person sick. Your body is completely capable of healing itself when you provide it with the proper nutients found in natural herbs, fruits, and vegetables grown free of man-made chemicals and toxins. The answers are out there but the medical establishment wants to keep them from you. It makes big pharma billions every year. For example if most of you knew that there are at least 10 (ten) cures for cancer what would we do with all those who overnight would become unemployed? Yes, there are commercial entities that want control over your life in every way, whether you realize it or not. Take control of your life or let the government be your guardian. Which one of these options is best for you?

found to be useful
this book was well organized in its presentation of problems for each type of plant covered.set in A-Z format of common plant names (though Latin names are used as well), the editors (Barbara Ellis, and Fern Bradley)give several ways to combat garden issues from an organic methodology. most of the ways of working with organics that they outline are not high cost, but are high maintainence as is all organic gardening, if done right.

the book also covers some common insects a gardener would see and if they are beneficial or not and how to work with the beneficials (what to plant to attract, etc) and to control the "bad bugs". they also outline some diseases and how to fight those with organic methods. then they touch on other ways to fight garden pests (cultural, physical, and biological contols).they also talk about different organic dusts and sprays and how to use them effectively.

Organic gardener's bible
If you want to garden organically and can only afford to buy one book on insect and disease control -- this is it! I go for this book first whenever I think I have problems in the garden, in the landscape, in the orchard. It's an all around great reference book!

The Organic Gardener's Handbook
Excellent Book with lots of informative teaching!Money well spent.Fast and professional delivery!Much appreciated!

The most amazing book about pests and diseases!
This is so far the best book about pests and diseases. Easy to read, great ! photos which really help to identify a pest and good structure make this book a winner. ... Read more

Book Description
Understand the insect world with BORROR AND DELONG’S INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF INSECTS! Combining current insect identification, insect biology, and insect evolution, this biology text provides you with a comprehensive introduction to the study of insects. Numerous figures, bullets, easily understood diagrams, and numbered lists throughout the text help you grasp the material. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Great Book
An entomologists must have.I have an older edition and bought this for my dad, who is an amateur entomologist.

Fantastic insect key
I purchased this book mostly as an insect key. It is organized well, and has a very extensive key, easy to understand, and covers a broad spectrum. If you are interested in insect ID or collection, or just want some information about them, this is a great book to get. Depending on your interests, I would also recommend the "Forest Entomology, Ecology and Management" book written by Coulson & Witter.

Important for both biologists and non-biologists
Everything about insects is fascinating, and this book gives a comprehensive overview of their behavior, anatomy, and classification. For non-experts in entomology, such as this reviewer, the book provides the necessary background for further study. Topics such as the molecular genetics of insects and the genetic engineering of insects are not covered, but there are plenty of other books that treat these topics in detail. Only the first four chapters were read by this reviewer, but only chapter four will be discussed here.

Early on in chapter four, the authors dispel the prejudice that since insects have small nervous systems and have short life spans, they are not automatons and can exhibit a remarkable degree of spontaneity. Insects can adjust to the circumstances of their environment and the organization of their activities can be extremely complex. What is most interesting about their discussion of insect behavior is the emphasis on how it depends on the internal state of the insect, and not only its nervous system but also its internal organs.

The authors view the basic unit of behavior in an insect as being a `reflex'. A receptor that is stimulated will cause a particular group of insects to contract, which is observed as a body movement of the insect. A `releaser' is the stimulus that actually triggers a specific collection of movements. This results in what is called a `fixed-action pattern', which, as the name implies, occurs the same way every time it occurs. To be contrasted with these are the `modal-action patterns' that adapt to changes in the body position of the insect relative to external objects. A `central pattern generator' the authors write, is responsible for the leg and wing movements of insects, and allows them to navigate in noisy environments. All of these considerations of insect behavior are interesting in themselves, but even more so considering that they are being applied to unexpected fields such as artificial intelligence. Indeed, the learning abilities of insects are being emulated in various machines in the last few years, with good success. And even, a new area of artificial intelligence called `swarm intelligence' has arisen that is based on the behavior of ants.

Along these same lines, the authors discuss four categories that he believes are useful in characterizing insect behavior. These categories clarify to a large extent the difference between `preprogrammed' and modified behaviors. The first of these are called `closed instincts', which are fixed programs. The second is more flexible and are called `open instincts', where experience feeds back and changes the program. The third consists of `restricted learning' and is the analog of classical conditioning. The last one is `flexible learning', wherein experience can result in significant changes in the behavior pattern. All of these categories have found expression in machines, as well as the types of learning that the authors believe exists in insects: habituation, and associative, latent, and insight learning. The authors admit though that insight learning, where familiarity with relationships among (neutral) stimuli is obtained, has not been established without controversy in insects. Honey bees though they quote as examples of insects that can engage in insight learning. Very interesting also in this discussion of the behavior of insects is the use of mathematical models. As expected intuitively, these models involve control theory, but even more "exotic" approaches such as optimality theory and dynamic stochastic modeling. Optimality theory is used with the assumption that insects evaluate their state variables and engage in decision-making that optimizes their gain according to some criterion.

Needless to say the learning abilities and behavior of insects is fascinating, and no doubt there are many surprises waiting for future entomologists. Their research efforts will not only assist in the better understanding of the most important representatives of the animal kingdom but they will be immediately used by those who are attempting to emulate this "primitive" intelligence of insects in machines.

Still an essential insect text despite a half-hearted update
Borror and Delong's weighty "Introduction to the Study of Insects" enters its 7th edition as the standard text for students of North American insect taxonomy. This latest edition is brought up to date by Charles Triplehorn and Norman Johnson after a 15 year gap.

As in earlier editions, Borror and DeLong is a comprehensive survey of North American insect diversity, containing identification keys for the insects and other arthropods along with brief overviews of each family and tips for collection and specimen preparation. Keys are mostly at the order and family levels of the Linnean hierarchy, with subfamily keys presented for select groups. This text is not a field guide; many groups are not illustrated, or are represented only by line drawings of particular parts of their anatomy. Rather, it is best used as a laboratory reference, a single-volume source for identifying insects and spiders to family. No other single reference has the breadth of this text, so Borror and DeLong should retain its place on the shelf of any serious entomologist.

"Introduction to the Study of Insects" also contains chapters on insect ecology, physiology, and systematics, but these are brief. More appropriate texts for these areas are available elsewhere (for instance, Gullan and Cranston's "An Outline of Entomology".)

The 7th edition has been sorely needed. A recent wealth of DNA sequence data and rapid advances in the methodology and philosophy of systematics have produced a flowering of research on insect relationships. As taxonomic improvements accumulated, the 6th edition- the only resource of its kind- had grown increasingly out of touch with the state of the field. So it should come as no surprise that the most noticeable changes in the new edition (aside from the leafy green cover and smaller font size of the text) are in the classifications. Gone is the order Homoptera, sunk at long last into Hempitera. A number of families have disappeared into synonymy (e.g., Anthophoridae into Apidae), while others have been split out (e.g., Stenopelmatidae from Gryllacrididae). Other changes include a completely new beetle key, a considerably improved treatment of spiders, and the inclusion of a newly-discovered order of African insects, Mantophasmatodea.

Triplehorn and Johnson unfortunately are uneven in adopting taxonomic updates across groups. For instance, the wasp family Sphecidae is retained in spite of a long-standing consensus among Hymenopterists that it does not represent a natural group, while other groups like the calyptrate fly family Fanniidae are split out in spite of a lack of consensus among Dipterists over its status. The authors also mix Linnean ranked categories (Family, Order, etc.) with non-ranked clades in several places, with confusing results. Given the extraordinarily dynamic state of the field, however, the authors can be forgiven for some of their decisions.

Many of the revisions appear hasty, as though the book were primarily product of a publisher's deadline. For example, the utility of Michael Ivie's improved beetle key is marred by its incongruous insertion into the largely unaltered text of the previous edition. The chapter introduction treats the user to explanations of 6th edition characters that no longer appear in the new key, while scores of new and often complex characters are not explained in the text, do not appear in the glossary, and are not illustrated. I had to refer to Arnett's American Beetles numerous times to make sense of the new characters. In fact, with few exceptions (like Trichoptera), the figures have not been updated for several editions and users are left to puzzle over scores of unexplained couplets. Microsetose antennal grooves in Coleoptera? Dorsal versus ventral abdominal spiracles in Lygaeoid bugs? Adequate explanations will not be found in the text.

The editing is sloppy. The formatting of taxonomic synopses appears not to have been checked as there are errors in indentation (e.g., the Calyptrate muscoid fly families are indented equal to their header). Page headers for keys persist well beyond the keys themselves. For instance, scale insect descriptions (pg. 324-328) are found on pages labeled, oddly enough, "Key to the Subfamilies of Cicadellidae." The index is conspicuously error-laden (e.g., the beetle family Ciidae is nowhere to be found, but appears erroneously as "Cidae" and "Cilidae". And who knew that "Cermanbycidae"(sic) were long-horned beetles?). Some figure references in the keys have not caught up to the new arrangement of the illustrations; couplet 53 in the fly key points to an illustration that has since moved elsewhere.

Distressingly, a few errors from the previous edition are left uncorrected, and new errors have been introduced. For example, couplet 11 of the Hymenoptera key still asks users to decide if certain wing crossveins are "present" or "present" (11' should read "absent"). Couplet 14 shunts wingless wasps to couplet 16 (the Apoidea) instead of couplet 106. Most moths in the common family Noctuidae will be incorrectly identified as Pantheidae because of a text error at couplet 59 in the Lepidoptera key.

The family descriptions that follow the keys in each chapter are a mixed bag. Usually they are succinct and accurate, but some of the assessments of North American species numbers are dated. There are occasional taxonomic errors that result from outdated text carried uncritically over from older editions. For example, our Nearctic army ants have been classified in the genus Neivamyrmex since the 1950s, yet the text several editions later still refers to them as Eciton.

The Borror and DeLong text remains without an equal as an all-in-one volume for the identification of North American insect families. As such, it is a shame that my impression of the 7th edition is one of missed opportunity. 15 years since the 6th edition should be plenty of time to draw up new figures to keep pace with taxonomic advances and illustrate the updated keys, and certainly enough time to put the text through the rigorous proof-reading that it apparently never received.

(note: the reviewer uses this text in teaching a field entomology class at the University of California at Davis)

An Updated Version of a Great Classic
This is the book on insect taxonomy that most entomologists had as their text in introductory courses.The current (7th) edition is revised to fit recent changes in classification and certainly continues the standard set by Borror and DeLong many years ago.It was never intended to be a text in physiology, behavior or ecology.There are texts for these subjects available and just covering the systematic aspects of insects thoroughly is enough of a task.

My only quibbles have to do with some changes in arrangement of orders that I am not sure of (such as the union of Hemiptera and Homoptera, and Anoplura and Mallophaga - the latter was also true of the 6th ed.) and the fact that scorpion taxonomy was apparently not revised at all, despite numerous changes in the last several years.

However, that said, this edition is a continued improvement of a great classic of entomology. Among highlights are Jeremy Miller's and Darrell Ubick's excellent revision of the spider section and the new format for keys to the insects making them easier to use.

Without a doubt this will remain the best standard textbook on insect taxonomy available and I recommend it with only the minor reservations noted. ... Read more

Product Description
This unique alphabet book covers twenty-six sensational insects, from aphids to zebra caterpillars. Beautiful full-color illustrations make this book a creepy-crawly experience from A to Z. You don't have to love bugs to love the Alphabet of Insects! Includes a read-along CD with original music, informative text and a tear-out poster. ... Read more

Book Description

Meticulously researched and illustrated with color photographs, Insects is a landmark reference book that is ideal for any naturalist or entomologist. To enhance exact identification of insects, the photographs in this encyclopedic reference were taken in the field -- and are not pinned specimens.

Insects enables readers to identify most insects quickly and accurately. The more than 50 pages of picture keys lead to the appropriate chapter and specific photos to confirm identification. The keys are surprisingly comprehensive and easy for non-specialists to use.

Insects features:

• Detailed chapters covering all insect orders and the insect families of eastern North America
• A brief examination of common families of related terrestrial arthropods
• 4,000 color photographs illustrating typical behaviors and key characteristics
• 28 picture keys for quick and accurate insect identification
• Three indexes -- common family names, photographs, general index
• Expert guidance on observing, collecting and photographing insects.

Almost 80 percent of all named animal species are insects and closely related arthropods. This book is required reading for anyone interested in entomology.

Customer Reviews (12)

Excellent Book
This is an Excellent book. When I picked up the box that it was shipped in out of my mail box I was surprised at the weight of it. I started to ask myself if I had any other books on order that may of been shipped in the same box. This is an excellent book really nice pictures of the insects. The only problem I have is that I like to see bigger descriptions of each bug. I'm in the landscape and lawn care industry and you need to know the habits of each insect/bug that you are dealing with. But I would not drop a star rating because of this. It is a very nice book that it layed out well.

ExcellentInsect Guide
This guide is a bit pricey, and too heavy to serve as a field guide, but it is an excellent research tool for the Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, Entomologist, or anyone with a serious interest in insects.

Great for Novice and Advanced Entomologists Alike
The descriptions of each insect family and the many color photos of representatives of each family are interesting and memorable. This book gave me a fun overview of most insect families, and has a nice picture key that is much easier to use than conventional keys. I am a novice to insects, but as I learn more and more, I have no doubt that I will continue turning back to this book with its wealth of information and photos. This book is truly an intellectual gem - fun to read, and packed with interesting information. A MUST-HAVE for anyone interested in insects.

A top basic reference pick for serious science libraries.
Stephen A. Marshall's INSECTS: THEIR NATURAL HISTORY AND DIVERSITY isn't for the general-interest holding so much as the college-level collection catering to entomologists or students of such. Insects of Eastern North America are the focus in a jam-packed colorful reference displaying insects within their order and including notes on their introduction, habitats, coloring and more. It's the professional's solid reference to identification and habits, making it a top basic reference pick for serious science libraries.

Great Reference
My wife and I have a landscaping company and teach gardening.I have been looking for a complete book insects, not just the problem ones.This book has great pictures of the life cycle of the insect not just the adult or larve.Another great book is Garden Insects of North America by Whitney Cranshaw. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Best buy for bug guide
A frequent question is why another popular guide on arthropods.There is no doubt that there are a number of excellent examples on the market, but there are so many fascinating species to explore, and when a new guide like Arthur Evans' appears, it is just too good to resist.In fact, I purchased four copies (at Amazon's great price of $13.57 each, and of course shipping was free), just to give as gifts to budding and experienced entomologist friends.I have several books on insects by Arthur Evans, and have learned to acquire anything this scientist publishes.He has mastered the art of natural-history interpretation for lay people.

About 940 species of arthropods are described (names, classification, measurements, field marks, habitat, and many other life-history facts), backed by 1600 high-quality color photographs.The introductory and supplementary chapters, and order synopses are the best I have seen, and I cannot think of any topic that has been left out.

I took this guide on a recent 15-state, arthropod-collecting trip (from Manitoba to Texas, Mississippi to Minnesota) and many of the hundreds of species we captured were readily identified at some level by using this field guide.The author, photographers, National Wildlife Federation, Chanticleer Press, and Sterling Publishers have produced a wonderful guide which will fuel the enthusiasm of a generation of naturalistsfascinated by insects and other small creatures of land and water.I only wish there were guides like this one when I was a child.Dr. Robert Wrigley

Book Order
The book I ordered was in stock and arrived in a day or two with standard shipping.

Great color pictures
I was really impressed with the wonderful color photographs of the insects, just like you see them in your own back yard

FIELD GUIDE TO INSECTS OF NO AMERICA
GREAT PICTURES TO HELP IDENTIFY, WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON SUBJECTS AND COULDN'T IDENIFY A FEW INSECTS, NORTHERN MINNESOTA.
BUT OVER ALL I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE BOOK

Decent Guide Depending on what you are looking for.
After reading this guide through three times I rate it as a decent insect guide, but not my first reccomendation. I have been studying and collecting insects for 18 years now, and usually collect a speciman to identify even if I just to release it after a good observation. This guide does a decent job with photographs and does provide good data on the species covered. Since I live in Indiana I prefer guides that focus on the Eastern United States. This guide covers sporadicly over the whole continental US and I think that causes any guide on insects to severly truncate included species. This book did provide many specific species names to insects I was never able to identify past genus.

Each species has a color photo with range, size and some special marks listed. Included some chapters on other arthropods which was quite nice. Arranged by insect order so it makes refinding a species easier. The dragonfly section I also found very helpful, but don't have a dragonfly book yet.

I still rank Peterson's Guide as superior. It has a much more in-depth data as to what really seperates one order from another. ... Read more

Book Description
The enticing questions -- Why do glowworms glow? Which insects wear armor? Why do bees dance? -- will amaze, amuse, and inspire any child who is fascinated by bugs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Insects and Bugs review
I gave this book to some of my students when we finished a unit about insects and bugs. It is a great resource for children at the second grade level. The illustrations are accurate and the information is not overwhelming for children of this age group. They loved the books! ... Read more

Amazon.com
A hilarious introduction to the insect world, On Beyond Bugs will have your preschooler giggling away while learning all kinds of interesting entomology facts. Answering questions like "why do flies buzz?" and "how do bees communicate?" in the musical rhymes long associated with him, Cat in the Hat makes a delightful tour guide. Who else could manage "ants are so strong they can lift things that weigh over ten times their weight and they do it each day?" The sturdy, easy-to-clean-cover makes this book a good choice even for very young children. For those just beginning to read, the phonics-based repetitions are a big help. (Preschool to early reader) --Jill LightnerBook Description
Find out all you ever wanted to know about insects when the Cat and company get an up-close view of life as a bug. Kids will learn how insects -- from the spittlebug to the honeybee to the moth -- see, smell, communicate, and pollinate, as well as sometimes pester and amaze and generally make life better for us humans. Catch the bug buzz with the Cat in the Hat and all his friends! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Factual, but poor rhyming
This is not one of the best books in the series.While it is factual, the rhyming is sloppy--in one stanza a word is rhymed with itself and in another stanza, the word from the beginning of the next phrase is placed at the end of another phrase so that the stanza will rhyme.All in all, this type of sloppy rhyming is extremely disappointing coming from the "Cat in the Hat"!

Great Fun!
I bought this book for my 4-year old son and he loves it!My husband and I love reading it to him and his baby sister who often also listens along.The book is educational yet great fun to read with its rhyming and fun verses.It teaches without being heavy-handed and even taught us, theparents, a thing or two we didn't know about the insect world!We allenjoy this book tremendously and love the other Cat in the Hat Learningseries books as well.

Insects thank Cat in the Hat for good PR
I got this book for a 4 yr old daughter of a friend and she's now intrigued by the insect world. Personally I love how the bumble bee illustration has taught her about how bees communicate through the bumblebee "dance." On the whole, it's nicely educational on anintroductory level -- general facts/concepts are taught throughillustrations and rhyme. Great for the young ones. Another favorite of mineis the Dr. Seuss Great Big Flap Book. ... Read more

Book Description
This comprehensive handbook, acclaimed when it was firstpublished in 1976 as "one of the most useful reference manuals ondiagnostic entomology yet produced," has now been completely revised andexpanded to reflect recent advances in technology and the wealth of newinformation affecting the "Green Industry."

Augmented by 241 full-color plates, it gives the essential facts about morethan 900 species of insects, mites, and other animals that injure woodyornamental plants in the United States and Canada, and provides means ofquick visual identification of both the pests and the damage they cause. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Bugs are a hit!
This book is a definitive study of insects that feed on trees and shrubs.We are a horticultural family and need to know "the inside dope" on bugs. Excellent info!

Well worth it!
This book is on my "short list" of essential references.Species are covered in clear, concise descriptions.This well organized volume makes hunting for similar species as easy as turning a page.The photos?I can't say enough about the clear, photos that make insect identification a good deal easier!

While an excellent book for the landscape professional, scientist, or advanced gardener, beginners might be a bit overwhelmed by the technical language and scientific names.

This is a much needed and fabulous manual.
When trying to identify a particular problem with growing trees or shrubs knowing what kinds of insects are possible culprits is a major step. This book gives us, in color photos and descriptions, most of the common larvae that can be found feeding on the particular plants. Even Entomology texts often refuse to deal with larvae of insects, keeping only the adults in the keys and descriptions (even though the adults are often not pests!). This guide will be a welcome addition to any plant clinic, grower, or Entomology professor or student's bookshelf. ... Read more

Book Description
Peterson First Guides are the first books the beginning naturalist needs.Condensed versions of the famous Peterson Field Guides, the First Guides focus on the animals, plants, and other natural things you are most likely to see.They make it fun to get into the field and easy to progress to the full-fledged Peterson Guides. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Bugs in your pocket
Like to know what knid of insect that was but all those big heavy books are a pain to carry. This little book is just the thing for your walk or trip. It is easy to look up an insect with over 200 common insects of North America inside. It makes a great gift too, kids or adult will all enjoy this handy little book. Don't get just one!

Not quite what I thought it was
This is a great book for common name identification of a wide variety of insects.However, I could not find any scientific names; not even the names of the different orders or families.

Peterson First Guide to Insects of North America
All the Peterson Guides are well known as field guides and always useful.

Best beginners' guide
I have quite a few `bug' guides and the Peterson guides are always my favorite. The drawings are excellent, the writing is clear, and I like the behavioral and collecting notes added. There are more flashy guides with more pictures but they tend to be more limited - you can only put so many pictures in a book. They also usually cost much more. This is the book I would buy for someone wanting to learn more about the entire insect world and begin identifying the bugs they find. If their interest grows I would simply move up the full version of the same book.

Perhaps the best field guide to the insects of North America
This is a great book for both the beginner as well as those who are at the intermediate level of their study of insects.
It makes for a good first exposure to the taxonomic key. I professor who I knewwho taught entomology at Loyola University in Chicago had this book as one of the course texts for his students. I am sure he is not alone. Illustrated with both line drawings and photographs it is the standard work on insects of North America. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (20)

A good book for advanced beginners
This book is the best one for the paperfoldinging advanced beginners, this have many advanced origami and the results are very great.

Great models, but very hard!
I was able to fold one of the models in this book (the ant.) I aspire to fold the others someday, after much, much more practice with easier books. They look really cool, so they give me a goal to aim for, but I am not certain if I will ever get there.
Five stars because they are great designs.

ORIGAMI INSECT PATTERNS
My 11 year old grandson is an origami 'master'! he has been doing ORIGAMI for 5 or 6 years. He says this is the best ORIGAMI book he has - he has a library full of them! He just ordered another Robert Lang ORIGAMI book.

most complex book ever
HARDEST BOOK EVER this book is incredible a good number of models in this book are over 100 steps here are the number of steps for each model
Note this book is not this book is not for an origami beggener only get this book if you are a extremely complex folder
tree hopper 49 steps
spotted lady bug 72 steps
orb weaver 68
tarantula 70
tick 65 or 69 steps depending on which version you choose
ant 87 steps
butterfly 87 steps
scarab beetle 68 steps
cicada 95 steps
grasshopper 84 steps
black pine sawyer 93 steps
dragon fly 92 steps
hercules beetle 101 steps
long-necked seed bug 100
pill bug97 steps
praying mantis 108 steps
stag beetle 118 steps
paper wasp 122 steps
samurai helmet beetle 140 steps
scorpion 159 steps
this book is overall the most difficult and complex (but fun) book i have everhad buy one now what are you doing just reading my review Buy this book now!!!!!!!!!!!

Origami Insects and their kin
I think that this is a fab book and anyone who can cope with advanced origami should buy it. I got this for christmas last year but found most of the models very hard so if you are a beginner, you may wish to try easier origami books by Robert Lang. ... Read more

Amazon.com
"Even when Roberto was little, he went against the grain. Like mosttermites, he melted over maple, and pined for pine. Oak was okay, too. ButRoberto didn't eat his food. He played with it."

Young Roberto has a burning desire to become an architect. Even when the othertermites mock his ambition, Roberto is never derailed from his dream. So, likeso many career-minded youth, this mite with a mission sets off for the big,buggy city. Here, sadly, he is thwarted by his heroes, Hank Floyd Mite and FleasVan Der Rohe. But this inspired insect decides not to wallow in his sorrows butto help out other bugs with even greater problems. Soon, a fantastic, eclectichousing development is in the works. The mysterious architect chooses to remainanonymous, but ultimately can't avoid the grateful adulation of the carpenterants, ladybugs, and house flies he has helped.

Nina Laden's fantastic collages use old catalog and magazine images, blueprints,cork veneer, and lots more, to create buildings, cities, and buggy creatures thelikes of which you've never seen. The Leaning Tower of Pisa tilts away from theEmpire State Building, with Gaudi's quirky sculptural edifices looming nearby.Some of the hilarious wordplay may fly over the heads of non-architects, but theoverall humorous effect--and the go-for-your-goals message--will not be lost onanyone. For more charming and artistic pun-ishment, try Laden's When Pigasso Met Mootisse.(Ages 6 to 11) --Emilie CoulterBook Description
Ever since he was a wee mite (a termite, that is), Roberto has wanted to be an architect. Discouraged by his wood-eating family and friends, he decides to follow his dream to the big, bug city. There he meets a slew of not-so-creepy, crawly characters who spark in him the courage to build a community for them all.

With stunning collage illustrations and witty text, the creator of the bestselling The Night I Followed the Dog, Private I. Guana, and When Pigasso Met Mootisse brings to life a funny and inspirational story that will encourage readers of any age to build their dreams. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Creative Book
This is a very sweet story with very unique illustrations.I am hoping it will spark the imagiination of my grandson and help him to identify and appreciate his mothers career path.

Great first book for baby architect
I found out about this book from a fellow architect who was looking for architecture related children's books for her children. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased it for another architect friend's baby shower and will continue to purchase it for other architect friends in the future, as well as for my own children when the time comes. The story is very cute, the names are clever and the illustrations are fun. The perfect book for a future architect.

Quite lovely.
Nina Laden, Roberto the Insect Architect (Chronicle, 2000)

There's something to be said for reading childrens' picture books every now and again. Childrens' authors can't get away with as much as adult authors can; for one thing, they generally have less room in which to get away with it (unless they are J. K. Rowling or Clive Barker, the vanguards of the burgeoning "childrens' doorstop" movement); for another, kids have an innate crap detector adults seem to get rid of as they get older. Reading chidlrens' books is a good way of grounding yourself, if you've gotten stuck in a rut of overly wordy stuff.

Roberto the Insect Architect is a fun one. (And note that a number of Amazon reviews of it have been posted by adults who own the book for themselves rather than their kids.) It's your basic "be yourself" kind of book, and reminds me in many ways of Randall Jarrell's brilliant The Bat-Poet. It's shorter, of course, being for a younger audience, and the points that are made are closer to the surface, but Laden still keeps things in hand by letting the story tell the story and giving visual cues that will make the reader of the intended age work (for example, Roberto's dream and its realization, which bookend the narrative in pictures instead of words). Worth reading for all ages. ****

An enterprising termite
Another in the impressive Chronicle series of children's books, Roberto, the Insect Architect is the latest invention of author/artist Nina Laden, the fascinating tale of a wee mite ("termite, that is"), who grows up wanting to build things out of wood, not just feast on it, going against the grain of family obligations. Roberto aspires to make a name for himself, much like those he so admires, Hank Floyd Mite and Fleas van der Rohe, but he is discouraged when his parents complain that Roberto he has "bitten off more than he can chew" this time. Against all odds, Roberto sets out for the big city, where he draws inspiration for his designs from all manner of creepy crawlers.

Unfortunately, Robert's heroes, Hank Floyd Mite and Fleas van der Rohe, have no time to spare for an unknown architect, but Roberto remains undaunted, believing in himself. Soon he has designed a unique variety of dwellings, works of art that are also functional: the ladybug gets a fireproof home to keep her children safe, the carpenter ant a workshop for his projects, an abode for the house fly, even a habitable dwelling for the roaches. With perseverance and an inventive spirit, Roberto the Architect proves that anything is possible when there is determination and talent. Roberto achieves his goals and the world is better for it, all in a spirit of community. This clever story of creativity and inspiration, teaches a valuable lesson about believing in our dreams. Luan Gaines/2005.

Roberto, The Insect Architect is really great
My kids love this book, the story is fun and the art work is great.My wife an I both enjoy this book to and we often purchase extra copies to give as birthday gifts to other children. ... Read more