Hymenoptera: The Natural History and Diversity of Wasps, Bees and Ants

Stephen A. Marshall's books on insects, such as Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity (2017), Beetles: The Natural History and Diversity of Coleoptera (2018), and Flies: The Natural History and Diversity of Diptera (2012), are respected and suitable for a lay audience, including high school students interested in entomology. His latest book, Hymenoptera, is a comprehensive and visually stunning introduction to the largest order of living things, wasps, bees, and ants. It features thousands of color photographs, identified by nearly 100 of the world's best hymenopterists, and provides essential information about each family's importance, range, behavior, and biology. The book will be welcomed by the scientific, academic, and naturalist communities, as well as the next generation of entomologists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 640 pages
Publication date: 29 May 2023
Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd

Stephen A. Marshalls natural history titles, including Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity (2017, ISBN 978 177085 962 3), Beetles: The Natural History and Diversity of Coleoptera (2018, ISBN 978 02281 0069 0), and Flies: The Natural History and Diversity of Diptera (2012; ISBN 978 177085 100 9), have gained immense respect within the field of entomology over the past two decades. What sets these books apart from their scientific rigor is their remarkable accessibility to a lay audience, encompassing high school students with an interest in entomology. These titles have been embraced as classroom texts at the university level and are prominently featured on the reference shelves of numerous practicing entomologists. In his latest work, Hymenoptera, Marshall showcases his extensive knowledge of insects by delving into the realm of wasps, bees, and ants. Given the vastness of the Hymenoptera order, which is arguably the largest group of living organisms, this book presents a comprehensive and visually captivating exploration of this diverse group. Packed with richly illustrated keys and thousands of color photographs, meticulously identified by nearly 100 of the world's foremost hymenopterists, this volume offers a lively introduction to a vast array of organisms, while also providing an overview of the remarkable diversity found within the group.

Marshall begins by defining what distinguishes a wasp from other insects, laying the foundation for the subsequent chapters. He then proceeds to introduce the order's diversity, significance, and natural history, providing ample examples and explanations to engage the reader. Topics covered include the life cycles. histories of wasps, hymenoptera, and plants, the role of hymenoptera in history, culture, and fiction, kleptoparasitism, and numerous other fascinating aspects of this order.

Part two of Hymenoptera takes the reader on a guided tour of the remarkable diversity within the order. The book makes fascinating stops for nearly all of the world's 100 or so families of wasps, as well as most of the significant subfamilies. Thousands of color photographs accompany the text, showcasing the intricate details and remarkable adaptations of these insects.

In summary, Stephen A. Marshalls natural history titles, particularly Hymenoptera, have established themselves as indispensable resources for entomologists and enthusiasts alike. Through their rigorous scientific approach and exceptional accessibility, these books have contributed significantly to our understanding of the insect world and have sparked a growing interest in the captivating realm of entomology.

Dimension: 279 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228103714