A richly illustrated introduction to the incredible world of beetles
With some 400,000 species, beetles are among the largest and most
successful groups of organisms on earth, making up one-fifth of all
plant and animal species. No other animals exhibit such a dazzling range
of size, form, and color. Mostly small, sturdy, and compact, beetles are
incredibly well-equipped to find food, reproduce, and avoid predators.
Additionally, their collective roles as herbivores, hunters, and
recyclers are critical to the sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems.
In this lavishly illustrated book, beetle expert and author Arthur Evans
presents an inviting and comprehensive introduction to the fascinating
lives of the world's beetles.
Universal in scope, The Lives of Beetles is packed with the latest
scientific findings, presented in an accessible way. Individual chapters
cover beetles' structure and function; evolution, diversity,
classification, and distribution; communication, reproduction, and
development; feeding habits; uses in medicine, science, and technology;
and study and conservation. Each chapter concludes with nine stunningly
illustrated profiles that highlight the lives of some of the world's
most beautiful and interesting species. The book also features an
up-to-date family classification, a glossary, and suggestions for
further reading.
We need beetles for the ecological services they provide, the
technological innovations they inspire, and the scientific insights they
reveal, so it is essential that we all get to know beetles better and
strive to conserve their habitats. The Lives of Beetles is the perfect
place to begin this journey of discovery and understanding.
