Ted Benton is a sociology professor emeritus, whose academic work over more than 40 years has included development of critical realist philosophy as a basis for social science methodology, work on the sociology of power and pioneering work towards the non-reductive integration of life-science and especially ecological insights into social theory.His previous books include the New Naturalist volumes Bumblebees (2006) and Grasshoppers & Crickets (2012).Nick Owens did a doctorate on the social behaviour of baboons in Tanzania, based at Cambridge, and researched the ecology of Brent Geese with the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology before embarking on a career as a biology teacher at Oundle School. A long-term fascination with bumblebees led to field trips with Ted Benton, which evolved into a common interest in solitary bees. Nick’s previous publications include Bumblebees of Norfolk (2012) and The Bumblebee Book (2020).

Praise for New Naturalist Solitary Bees:‘This stands out as my book of the year, and if you are only going to have one New Naturalist book on your shelves or you are an avid collector of the series, this book is a must have and I thoroughly recommend it.’ Steven Rutherford FBNA, Honorary Chairman, British Naturalists Association

Ted Benton is a sociology professor emeritus, whose academic work over more than 40 years has included development of critical realist philosophy as a basis for social science methodology, work on the sociology of power and pioneering work towards the non-reductive integration of life-science and especially ecological insights into social theory.His previous books include the New Naturalist volumes Bumblebees (2006) and Grasshoppers & Crickets (2012).Nick Owens did a doctorate on the social behaviour of baboons in Tanzania, based at Cambridge, and researched the ecology of Brent Geese with the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology before embarking on a career as a biology teacher at Oundle School. A long-term fascination with bumblebees led to field trips with Ted Benton, which evolved into a common interest in solitary bees. Nick’s previous publications include Bumblebees of Norfolk (2012) and The Bumblebee Book (2020).

Praise for New Naturalist Solitary Bees:‘This stands out as my book of the year, and if you are only going to have one New Naturalist book on your shelves or you are an avid collector of the series, this book is a must have and I thoroughly recommend it.’ Steven Rutherford FBNA, Honorary Chairman, British Naturalists Association