Amazing Facts about Australian Insects & Spiders and Other Bush and Garden Creatures


Book Description

Invertebrates, which make up approximately 95 percent of animals, includes creatures of all sizes, shapes and lifestyles. Many land invertebrates, such as earthworms, spiders and a huge number of insects, affect human existence for better or for worse every day. Some invertebrates, such as oysters, grasshoppers, snails and crabs, are eaten by humans. This volume attempts to convey the diversity and fascination of the invertebrates which live in every Australian habitat, from rainforest to desert salt lake, from mountain peak to suburban home. Look closely and you will discover that these small creatures are not "creepy-crawlies", but marvellous members of the great world of living things. This book is intended to be an observer's introduction to Australia's wealth of land and freshwater invertebrate animals. The photographs showcase representatives of less well-known, as well as familiar, groups. Welcome to a world of often small, but always remarkable, creatures!




Australian Children's Books: 1989-2000


Book Description

All Australian children's books published from 1989 to 2000 are listed in this essential reference for those who appreciate the richness of Australian writing for children. Following the same format as volumes 1 and 2 in this series chronicling books published as early as 1774, entries include publishing details, the number of illustrations, and the awards received for each book. This third volume follows the continuing careers of authors such as Mem Fox, Bob Graham, Robin Klein, and Paul Jennings, and traces changes in the popularity of Australian themes and settings to identify publishing trends. Varied cultural aspects of modern-day life are shown, from globalization, commercialism, and the rise of the middle class in Asia to desktop publishing, outcome-based school curricula, and the modern obsession with celebrities all of which are reflected in the type and quantity of books produced by Australian writers and publishers. The wealth of included material will extend researchers' understanding of the range of Australian children's books. "




My Little World


Book Description

It is hard to see the big picture when you are a child, but then it is much easier to see the really small things insects, lichen, coloured leaves and tiny mushrooms. And it is fun to point out something that others can not see or do not even notice as they hurry past. This is an artful exploration of the bustling world of nature usually unseen and unobserved.







Australian Cicadas


Book Description




A Field Guide to Spiders of Australia


Book Description

Australians have a loveā€“hate relationship with spiders. Some spiders, such as the Redback and the Sydney Funnelweb, inspire fear. Yet Peacock Spiders, with their colourful fan-spreading courtship dances, have won rapturous appreciation worldwide. A Field Guide to Spiders of Australia uses photographs of living animals to help people identify many of the spiders they encounter. Featuring over 1300 colour photographs, it is the most comprehensive account of Australian spiders ever published. With more than two-thirds of Australian spiders yet to be scientifically described, this book sets the scene for future explorations of our extraordinary Australian fauna. This field guide will be enjoyed by naturalists and anyone with an interest in learning more about Australia's incredible arachnids.




Australia's Most Dangerous - Reprint


Book Description

Australia is infamous for its dangerous animals. With more deadly snakes than any other country worldwide, it isn't surprising. Though sharks, spiders, and snakes get the majority of bad press, it is actually an awesome array of predators and venomous critters that have earned Australia its fearsome reputation. Australias Most Dangerous is a ......




Book of Monsters


Book Description

"Book of Monsters: Portraits and Biographies of a Few of the Inhabitants of Woodland and Meadow" by David Fairchild and Marian Fairchild David Grandison Fairchild was an American botanist and plant explorer. With his wife, Marian, he wrote this collection of biographical sketches of animals, bugs, and plants that live in the woods. The pictures in this book are portraits of creatures which are as much the real inhabitants of the world as we are, and have all the rights of ownership that we have, but, because their own struggle for existence so often crosses ours, many of them are our enemies. Indeed, man's own real struggle for the supremacy of the world is his struggle to control these tiny monsters.




Insect Biodiversity


Book Description

Volume Two of the new guide to the study of biodiversity in insects Volume Two of Insect Biodiversity: Science and Society presents an entirely new, companion volume of a comprehensive resource for the most current research on the influence insects have on humankind and on our endangered environment. With contributions from leading researchers and scholars on the topic, the text explores relevant topics including biodiversity in different habitats and regions, taxonomic groups, and perspectives. Volume Two offers coverage of insect biodiversity in regional settings, such as the Arctic and Asia, and in particular habitats including crops, caves, and islands. The authors also include information on historical, cultural, technical, and climatic perspectives of insect biodiversity. This book explores the wide variety of insect species and their evolutionary relationships. Case studies offer assessments on how insect biodiversity can help meet the needs of a rapidly expanding human population, and examine the consequences that an increased loss of insect species will have on the world. This important text: Offers the most up-to-date information on the important topic of insect biodiversity Explores vital topics such as the impact on insect biodiversity through habitat loss and degradation and climate change With its companion Volume I, presents current information on the biodiversity of all insect orders Contains reviews of insect biodiversity in culture and art, in the fossil record, and in agricultural systems Includes scientific approaches and methods for the study of insect biodiversity The book offers scientists, academics, professionals, and students a guide for a better understanding of the biology and ecology of insects, highlighting the need to sustainably manage ecosystems in an ever-changing global environment.




The Humane Gardener


Book Description

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.