Book description
Insects are the most extreme organisms on Earth and, despite their
diminutive size, they wield inordinate power. With the exception of the
polar icecaps, every terrestrial ecosystem on earth is colonized by
them, and they account for almost three-quarters of all named animals -
that's one million species at the last count!
This book is a celebration of the insect universe, exploring their
amazing forms and functions, their fascinating behaviour and the
enormous impact they have on our lives. With its lively and informative
text, it looks at insects in all their extremes, from the biggest,
fastest and fiercest to the best nest builder, most devious hunter and
deadliest bride.
Insects are extreme in numbers - a single leaf-cutter ant nest, the
size of a large camper van, may contain seven million individuals
working together as a single giant super-organism. Insects are extreme
in their bizarre forms - the stalk-eyed fly, as its name suggests,
carries its eyes on the end of two ludicrously long stalks. And insects
are invariably extreme in behaviour - take for instance the
giraffe-necked weevil that holds head-bobbing contests to win a mate.
Yet there is always method in their apparent madness, as each strange
form and function is an adaptation designed to solve the extreme
pressures that arise through the struggle to survive in a world that is
always dangerous, competitive and unforgiving. 'It beautifully
highlights the wonder that is nature and serves as a fascinating look at
creatures many people are quick to dismiss as a nuisance.'
Independent
'[A] beautiful book.'
Daily Express Richard Jones is a Fellow of the Royal Entomological
Society, a past president of the British Entomological Society and
author of several books on insects, wildlife and gardening. He also
contributes articles on insects and the environment to several
high-profile newspapers and magazines (including the Guardian, BBC
Wildlife and Gardener's World Magazine), appears regularly on radio and
television, and takes part in ecological and environmental surveys.
