Describes and illustrates the living conditions of insects, and arachnids, giving details of their life history, feeding habits and how they are equipped to protect themselves in the habitats.

Authoriative illustrated reference on insects and spiders with contribuing essays by world-renowned scientists.

Encyclopedia of Insects and Spiders describes and illustrates fifty-one groups of insects and spiders. In addition, two articles introduce the basic biology and natural history of insects and spiders, respectively. Their form and natural history are more varied than any other group of animals alive today. The beauty of butterflies, moths, and dragonflies is in marked contrast to the alien-looking forms of some bugs, scorpions, and spiders. There are hoverflies that look like bees, ants that look like wasps, and even nonpoisonous butterflies that deter predators by resembling unrelated butterflies, which are, in fact, poisonous to their predators. This book provides a fascinating exploration into this remarkable group of animals.

With around one million species, insects and their allies are by far the most successful, variable and bizarre group of living things to have evolved on our planet. This is a scientific and general overview of all the world's terrestial anthropods.

Find out everything you ever wanted to know about insects in the comprehensive Encyclopedia of Insects.