The Lives of Beetles: A Natural History of Coleoptera

Beetles are one of the largest and most successful groups of organisms on earth, with over 400,000 species. This book provides an illustrated introduction to their fascinating lives, covering their structure, function, evolution, diversity, classification, distribution, communication, reproduction, feeding habits, uses in medicine, science, and technology, and study and conservation. It highlights the lives of some of the world's most beautiful and interesting species and encourages us to better understand and conserve their habitats.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Beetles, a remarkable group of organisms, comprise one-fifth of all plant and animal species on Earth, with a staggering 400,000 species. These diverse creatures exhibit an extraordinary range of size, form, and color, making them truly captivating. Mostly small, sturdy, and compact, beetles are incredibly well-equipped to find food, reproduce, and avoid predators. Moreover, their collective roles as herbivores, hunters, and recyclers are vital for 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. With a universal scope, The Lives of Beetles is packed with the latest scientific findings, presented in an accessible way. Individual chapters delve into the structure and function of beetles, their evolution, diversity, classification, and distribution. They explore communication, reproduction, and development, as well as 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. It is essential that we all recognize the importance of beetles and strive to conserve their habitats. The Lives of Beetles serves as the perfect starting point for this journey of discovery and understanding.

Beetles, with their remarkable diversity and ecological significance, continue to captivate scientists and enthusiasts alike. By delving into the world of beetles, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life and the critical roles that these fascinating organisms play in our planet's ecosystems.

Weight: 1154g
Dimension: 196 x 546 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691236513