The world of insects - Adriano Zanetti (Sampson Low Guides)

No other group of animals are taken quite so much for granted as insects. They are either regarded as 'pests' by most people or generally ignored, and few realize the extent of their important role in nature.

The World of Insects is a comprehensive, but very readable, study of insect life based on the latest scientific researches. This fascinating account describes the lives and behaviour of insects and their relationship with man and their environment. The introduction gives a clear definition of the word 'insects' by describing their origins, evolution and connections with similar groups of animals. Chapters include:

Structure: physiological structure and variance between insect types

Growth and Reproduction: mating; forms of reproduction; metamorphosis; egg-laying and larval stages

Habits: how insects move; migration; insect predators and parasites; herbivorous insects; scavengers; warning coloration and mimicry

Associations: soil living insects; aquatic insects; social insects

Insects and Man: disease carriers; plant parasites; household insects

Classification: tables of orders and details of the many characteristics of each species

Over 200 colour illustrations of exceptionally high quality have been selected to illustrate the text which comprises some 70,000 words. A detailed bibliography is also included.