Farming with Native Beneficial Insects


Book Description

Filled with full-color photographs and step-by-step instructions, the authors show readers how to create a farm or garden habitat that will attract beneficial insects and thereby reduce crop damage from pests without the use of pesticides.




Wasps


Book Description

WASPS is the first full-color, illustrated guide featuring approximately 150 species of flower-visiting wasps that occur in eastern North America, and the specific native plants and habitat each species depends upon. Written with an ecological lens, this richly-illustrated book details wasp diversity and has full-page profiles for each wasp species that include identification tips, geographic range maps, biology, prey, natural history and habitat. Five introductory chapters cover wasp taxonomy, nesting biology, prey-hunting behaviors, diet, anatomy, as well as wasp habitat enhancement and management, and the ecosystem services provided by wasps-insect pest population control and pollination. Profiles of each wasp species comprise the major part of the book and are organized by family, showcasing twelve families and sixty-eight wasp genera. Also included are eastern North American regional native plant guides, tips on wasp observation, and over 1000 stunning photographs. This is an essential book for conservationists, naturalists, insect enthusiasts, biologists, nature photographers, native plant aficionados, and anyone interested in beneficial insects and pollinators.




Attracting Native Pollinators


Book Description

With the recent decline of the European honey bee, it is more important than ever to encourage the activity of other native pollinators to keep your flowers beautiful and your grains and produce plentiful. In Attracting Native Pollinators, you’ll find ideas for building nesting structures and creating a welcoming habitat for an array of diverse pollinators that includes not only bees, but butterflies, moths, and more. Take action and protect North America’s food supply for the future, while at the same time enjoying a happily bustling landscape.




Pollinators of Native Plants


Book Description

"This comprehensive, essential book profiles over 65 perennial native plant species of the Midwest, Great Lakes region, Northeast and southern Canada plus the pollinators, beneficial insects and flower visitors the plants attract ... Readers learn to attract and identify pollinators and beneficial insects as well as customize their landscape planting for a particular type of pollinator with native plants. The book includes information on pollination, types of pollinators, pollinator conservation as well as pollinator landscape plans."--




Pollinators, Predators & Parasites


Book Description

Pollinators, parasites, purifiers, predators, decomposers – insects arguably play the most important roles in the functioning of the Earth’s ecosystems. This lavishly illustrated and highly authoritative book is structured around southern Africa’s 13 distinct biomes; it reflects the essential role insects play in most ecological processes such as pollination, predation, parasitism, soil modification and nutrient recycling; details how they serve as food for multitudes of other organisms, including bacteria and fungi, as well as specially adapted plants, insect-feeding arthropods, reptiles, birds and mammals; depicts the insects and phenomena described in some 2,000 photographs that accompany the accessible text; highlights the crucial role insects play as ecosystem service providers, giving intimate insight into the beauty and importance of insects in the natural world. Includes a guide to each of the 25 insect orders found in southern Africa, with images showing their diagnostic characters. This key publication detailing the latest research in the field of entomology will appeal to academics and nature enthusiasts alike.




Backyard Bugs


Book Description

How many times have you seen a bug and wondered, "What in the world is that?" Wonder no more! Acclaimed entomologist and nature author Jaret C. Daniels presents a simple yet informative guide to backyard bugs of the United States and southern Canada. Featuring more than 160 species organized by where the bugs are generally found, this fascinating book covers everything from ants to mosquitoes to spiders. So when you see a bug, look it up. You'll be amazed by what you learn! Book Features More than 160 species of common and interesting backyard bugs Easy-to-use format--bugs organized by where they are generally found Neat-to-know information for homeowners, gardeners, campers and even children Full-color photographs of every featured species







The Common Insects of North America


Book Description

An aid for identifying approximately 2,400 species of the more common insects of North America north of Mexico. Arranged taxonomically, with numerous line illustrations. Information for each insect includes range, colors, size, habits, and food prefrences. Has a glossary, a bibliography, an index by subject and common name, and an index by scientific name.




Field Guide to California Insects


Book Description

Beautifully illustrated and approachable, this is the only California-specific, statewide book devoted to all groups of insects. Completely revised for the first time in over 40 years, Field Guide to California Insects now includes over 600 insect species, each beautifully illustrated with color photographs. Engaging accounts focus on distinguishing features, remarkable aspects of biology, and geographical distribution in the state. An accessible and compact introduction to identifying, understanding, and appreciating these often unfamiliar and fascinating creatures, this guide covers insects that readers are likely to encounter in homes and natural areas, cities and suburbs, rural lands and wilderness. It also addresses exotic and invasive species and their impact on native plants and animals. Field Guide to California Insects remains the definitive portable reference and a captivating read for beginners as well as avid naturalists.




50 Common Insects of the Southwest


Book Description

Large color photographs illustrate a guide to common Southwestern insects, including such varieties as the tiger beetle, the rainbow grasshopper, the orange skimmer, the kissing bug, the black witch, the giant palo verde root borer, the very tarantula hawk, and the Pinacate beetle.