Inlcudes an in-depth look at the evolution and incredible diversity of insects, and presents a selection of the most common as well as the most unusual species around the world.

Inlcudes an in-depth look at the evolution and incredible diversity of insects, and presents a selection of the most common as well as the most unusual species around the world.

A visual directory featuring every order of the insect world, with a natural history introduction.

Invasive species threaten local ecosystems and the planet’s biodiversity, but are they all as bad as we think they are? Plants, animals, insects and fish are moving in. In Nature Out of Balance:How Invasive Species Are Changing the Planet author Merrie-Ellen Wilcox profiles all-star invasive species around the world, starting in her own neighbourhood, and warns that humans are the most invasive species of all. We find out how and why species become invasive, what we can do to stop their spread and whether it’s time to think differently about invasive species that are here to stay.

This stunning encyclopedia is a fascinating guide to more than 400 fish and sea creatures from aroundthe world and from every marine habitat.Representation is broad, featuring members of some of the most exciting and successful animal groups in the marine world, including sponges, corals, jelly animals, worms, crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms, fish, reptiles and sea mammals. Read about the plate-like body armor of creatures that endure the crash of the incoming tide; the reefs that teem with colorful life; the communities that exist at the edge of the contents; and the formidable creatures that hunt in remote waters. Each profile is illustrated with a beautiful watercolor artwork plus a panel which contains a map to pinpoint distribution, and concise information on habitat type, size, breeding and feeding behavior.

Pretty ladybugs, fluttering butterflies, creepy daddy longlegs, and roly-poly bugs are some of the familiar creatures featured in this whimsically illustrated insect album. Complete with an "actual size" chart and bug-o-meter listing fun facts about each bug, Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! will inform and entertain curious little bug lovers everywhere.

An incomparable illustrated look at the critical role bees play in the life of our planet Bees pollinate more than 130 fruit, vegetable, and seed crops that we rely on to survive. Bees are also crucial to the reproduction and diversity of flowering plants, and the economic contributions of these irreplaceable insects measure in the tens of billions of dollars each year. Yet bees are dying at an alarming rate, threatening food supplies and ecosystems around the world. In this richly illustrated natural history of the bee, which includes more than 250 color photographs and illustrations, Noah Wilson-Rich and his team of bee experts provide a window into the vitally important role that bees play in the life of our planet. Earth is home to more than 20,000 bee species, from fluorescent-colored orchid bees and sweat bees to flower-nesting squash bees and leaf-cutter bees. This book provides an unmatched account of this astounding diversity, blending an engaging narrative with practical, hands-on discussions of such topics as beekeeping and bee health. It explores our relationship with the bee over evolutionary time, examining how it originated and where it stands today—and what the future holds for humanity and bees alike. Provides an accessible, richly illustrated look at the human–bee relationship over time Features a section on beekeeping and handy guides to identifying, treating, and preventing honey bee diseases Covers bee evolution, ecology, genetics, and physiology Includes a directory of notable bee s Presents a holistic approach to bee health, including organic and integrated pest management techniques Shows how you can help bee populations