Almost everyone interested in macro will also be interested in the nature of what they photograph—namely, insects. Personally, even though I form ideas about the behaviors of certain species through my own observations, I can’t rest easy until I find the species’ name.
Entomology is a vast branch of science dealing solely with insects. I say vast because these tiny creatures make up the most populous group on Earth in terms of species. The total number of species is around 2 million, and figures like 6–10 million are given for taxonomic categories. Several thousand species are added every year (Source: Wikipedia).
We can find countless resources on entomology online. But if you want a serious reference right at hand, I can recommend a book on the subject to insect lovers. Besides taxonomy—i.e., the identification of species—the book covers many topics such as anatomy and behavior in great detail for those who want to learn.
The name of our book is Insects – Outlines of Entomology. At first glance, the book looks large, heavy, and sturdy. It’s hardcover. Its dimensions are 185 × 245 mm and it has 564 pages. A very high-quality paper is used. The print is crisp and highly legible. All details in the drawings and graphics can be seen clearly.
Written in an academic tone primarily as a bedside reference for entomology students, the book delivers solid information across 564 pages. Those looking for a colorful, highly visual book to casually flip through may not find what they want. Detail hunters, however, will love it.
The promotional text for the translation from the Turkish version of the book is as follows::
“This popular book provides an inspiring and comprehensive introduction to insects, which represent more than half of the world’s biological diversity. In this edition, the authors present the key features of insect structure, function, behavior, ecology, and classification in light of the latest ideas in insect evolution. The majority of the book is organized around fundamental biological themes (such as life in soil, in water, on plants, in colonies, and as predators, parasites/parasitioids, or prey). A strong evolutionary context is maintained throughout. New boxes on pest insects, medically and veterinary important insects, and pest management highlight the ever-increasing economic importance of insects. Updated ‘Taxon boxes’ provide concise information on all aspects of the 28 major insect orders and the three non-insect hexapod orders.”
“The authors maintain the tradition of brevity and clarity from previous editions, and the text is generously supported by hand-drawn figures. The illustrations and informative text aim to encourage scientifically grounded study of insects, both professionally and as a hobby. In addition to serving as a core text for students of entomology, the book is intended as a source for undergraduate and graduate courses in ecology, agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, paleontology, zoology, medicine, and veterinary science.”
“Penny Gullan and Peter Cranston are professors in the Department of Entomology at the University of California, Davis, USA, where they jointly teach courses for undergraduates in biodiversity, insect systematics, and general entomology, and conduct research on Coccoidea and Chironomidae, respectively. They also maintain strong ties with the Australian National University in Canberra, where they have been visiting academics and where much of this fourth edition was revised.”
From the table of contents, here are the main headings:
- The importance, diversity, and conservation of insects
- External anatomy
- Internal anatomy and physiology
- Sensory systems and behavior
- Reproduction
- Insect development and life histories
- Insect systematics: phylogeny and classification
- Insect biogeography and evolution
- Soil-dwelling insects
- Aquatic insects
- Insects and plants
- Insect societies
- Predation and parasitism in insects
- Defense in insects
- Medical and veterinary entomology
- Pest management
- Methods in entomology: collecting, preservation, curation, and identification
- Taxon boxes
As you can see, there’s a wealth of information. There are many subheadings under these main sections as well. Well, they’ve prepared it so thoroughly—now it’s on us to open it up and read 🙂
