Describes the physical characteristics, life cycle, diet, habitat, and lifespan of the pillbug.

Chances are that just under a nearby rock, you'll spot a roly-poly pill bug. Encourage a child to take a close look, and introduce a fascinating creature. Gently pick it up and watch as it rolls into a ball and unrolls to take a walk. This cousin to lobsters and crabs sheds its crusty skin and will tickle your hand with its 14 (count 'em ) wiggly legs. Awaken a sense of wonder in a child with the Next Time You See series from NSTA Kids. The books will inspire elementary-age children to experience the enchantment of everyday phenomena, such as pill bugs, fireflies, seashells, and sunsets. Free supplementary activities are available on the NSTA website. Especially designed to be experienced with an adult--be it a parent, teacher, or friend--Next Time You See books serve as a reminder that you don't have to look far to find something remarkable in nature.

How did the pillbug get its name? In order to defend itself from predators, this little critter can roll itself up into a tight ball the shape of a pill! The hard plates on its body work like armor to protect its soft underside from predators. These are just some of the fascinating facts children will discover as they explore the strange and unusual world of this creepy crawler. Vivid, eye-popping photos and clear, grade-appropriate text will engage emergent and early readers as they learn about the natural habitat, physical characteristics, diet, and behavior of this unique invertebrate.

Ralphina, a roly-poly, wants to make friends with the boy in the house. Includes facts about roly-polies and rainbows.

How to control household pests in a more environmentally friendly way.

A comprehensive guide to the insects of North America contains information--including life histories, behaviors, and habitats--on every major group of insects found north of Mexico.

An updated edition of the most complete resource on backyard insects available This second edition of Garden Insects of North America solidifies its place as the most comprehensive guide to the common insects, mites, and other “bugs” found in the backyards and gardens of the United States and Canada. Featuring 3,300 full-color photos and concise, detailed text, this fully revised book covers the hundreds of species of insects and mites associated with fruits and vegetables, shade trees and shrubs, flowers and ornamental plants, and turfgrass—from aphids and bumble bees to leafhoppers and mealybugs to woollybears and yellowjacket wasps—and much more. This new edition also provides a greatly expanded treatment of common pollinators and flower visitors, the natural enemies of garden pests, and the earthworms, insects, and other arthropods that help with decomposing plant matter in the garden. Designed to help you easily identify what you find in the garden, the book is organized by where insects are most likely to be seen—on leaves, shoots, flowers, roots, or soil. Photos are included throughout the book, next to detailed descriptions of the insects and their associated plants. An indispensable guide to the natural microcosm in our backyards, Garden Insects of North America continues to be the definitive resource for amateur gardeners, insect lovers, and professional entomologists. Revised and expanded edition covers most of the insects, mites, and other “bugs” one may find in yards or gardens in the United States and Canada—all in one handy volume Features more than 3,300 full-color photos, more than twice the illustrations of the first edition Concise, informative text organized to help you easily identify insects and the plant injuries that they may cause