Black-and-white drawings highlight distinguishing characteristics of some of the more difficult-to-identify species. Sonograms provide a graphic representation of the insects' distinctive sounds."

The definitive photographic identification guide to the orthopterans of the region, complete with sounds. This is the first guide to the 261 species of orthopterans – the grasshoppers, crickets and katydids – of Britain and western Europe ever published. Set out in a clear and accessible format and featuring a combination of photographs and illustrations, the book covers identification criteria of all of the main species and subspecies, with detailed photographs of males and females, distribution maps, status, habitat descriptions, oscillograms, advice on where and when to find them, and tips to avoid confusion during the often tricky process of identification. Comprehensive general chapters also cover morphology, ecology and habitat, and assist with research in the field. What makes this work the total package? The book comes with a CD, featuring 222 orthopteran songs. Together, book and CD make this the definitive guide to these insects and a rich resource for any naturalist in the region.

Having received such lavish praise for the first volume of his definitive taxonomic handbook, Daniel Otte now turns his attention to the bandwing grasshoppers. As before, the book includes: - Highly detailed, full-color drawings of all species, including more than one color phase when appropriate; - Illustrated keys and lists of principal recognition features; - Information on distributional limits, habitat preferences, ecology, behavior, and life cycle; - Excellent point-distribution maps; - Pertinent references, taxonomic index, history of name changes, and an explanation of the characters used to derive phylogenies. Like its predecessor, this volume will be useful to scientists in agriculture, environmental assessment, biogeography, grassland ecology, and insect taxonomy. It will also appeal to amateur naturalists.