The Best-Selling Insect Identification Books of All Time

The most comprehensive field guide available to the insects and spiders of North America--a must-have for any enthusiast's day pack or home library--from the go-to reference source for over 18 million nature lovers. Featuring a durable vinyl binding and over 700 full-color identification photographs organized visually by color and shape, the National Audubon Society Field Guide to Insects and Spiders is the perfect companion for any outdoor excursion. 

Descriptive text includes measurements, diagnostic details, and information on habitat, range, feeding habits, sounds or songs, flight period, web construction, life cycle, behaviors, folklore, and environmental impact. An illustrated key to the insect orders and detailed drawings of the parts of insects, spiders, and butterflies supplement this extensive coverage.

Fireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs is the first-ever comprehensive firefly guide for eastern and central North America. It is written for all those who want to know more about the amazing world of lightning bugs and learn the secrets hidden in the flash patterns of the 75+ species found in the eastern and central United States and Canada. As an independent researcher working with numerous university teams, naturalist Lynn Frierson Faust, “The Lightning Bug Lady,” has spent decades tracking the behavior and researching the habitats of these fascinating creatures.

Based on her twenty-five years of fieldwork, this book is intended to increase understanding and appreciation of bioluminescent insects while igniting enthusiasm in a fun and informative way. Species accounts are coupled with historical backgrounds and literary epigraphs to engage and draw readers young and old into the world of these tiny sparklers. A chart documenting the flash patterns of the various species will aid in identification. Clear photos illustrate the insects’ distinguishing physical characteristics, while habitats, seasonality, and common names are provided in easy-to-understand yet scientifically accurate language. The guide will be welcomed by everyone who wants to learn more about fireflies’ and glow-worms’ unique traits and fragile niche in the ecosystem. Features:. Over 600 color photographs. Detailed accounts and anatomical diagrams of 75+ species, as well as aids in distinguishing between similar species. A first-of-its-kind flash-pattern chart that folds out on heavy-weight paper. Extensive scientific details written in an understandable and engaging way. Colorful common names―Twilight Bush Baby, Shadow Ghosts, Snappy Syncs, and more―for easy species identification based on flash patterns. Tips on ideal sites and times of year for firefly watching. Conservation-oriented approach.

Handy, authoritative, and easy-to-read, this field guide to the insects of North America is part of the growing National Geographic Pocket Guide series. This guide provides spot-on descriptive information, authoritative photography and illustrations, and key facts in a handy, easy-to-reference volume. This book includes selected photography and newly commissioned art and graphics to help identify each species. Beautifully designed and illustrated, with logical organization and bulleted information, these pocket guides are useful in the field or as an in-home reference.