BEETLES

by Wilfrid S. Bronson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 23, 1963

The author's reputation for excellence was established long ago with such titles as The Grasshopper Book (1943) and The Wonder World of Ants (1937) both of which are still in print. The present book is of this same high standard, with complete information based on personal observation as well as a familiarity with the work of entomologists and presented in a tone of conversational informality. After outlining the shared characteristics of the order, the life histories of some of the helpful beetles as well as the beetle pests are discussed in fascinating detail. The author raises as many interesting questions as he supplies interesting answers, pointing out those areas where facts have not been completely collected or where the experts find cause to debate: how much beetle behavior is instinct and how much intelligence?; do insects feel fear?; etc. For those with the urge to help find the answers, the final section of the book is of particular interest in which simple and inexpensive methods of collecting, preservation and specimen displays are described. All of the special vocabulary of entomology introduced is carefully, even memorably defined. 40 Half-tone drawings by the author will complete a book that is high in quality all the way.

Pub Date: Oct. 23, 1963

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt, Brace & World

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1963

Categories: NONFICTION