John Acorn is a writer, broadcaster, and biologist. In 2008, he received NSERC's Michael Smith Award for Science Promotion. He lives in Edmonton with his wife Dena and sons Jesse and Ben.

"Great news!! Ladybugs of Alberta is out in print. This magnificent book by our very own John Acorn is published by University of Alberta Press and is available ($29.95) at http://www.uap.ualberta.ca/UAP.asp?LID=41&bookID=682. John treats all 75 species of ladybugs in Alberta, including the little tiny ones that few people ever notice. This is more than three times as many species as his two other books in the series (Tiger Beetles and Damselflies) and the book is packed with plenty of original information that clearly makes this John's most scholarly book to date. The style is highly readable, with excellent sections not only on the identification and life history of ladybugs (=ladybird beetles), but also thought-provoking essays on the way in which we think about "alien invaders" and use ladybugs in gardening. This is the first popular guide ever produced on ladybugs in North America, and is sure to have a huge impact well outside of Alberta. Ladybugs of Alberta is a treat all around. No one interested in natural history, entomology, gardening, or integrated pest management should be without it." Felix Sperling, Curator, E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum, University of Alberta

• What is a Ladybug?; The Life of a Ladybug; Ladybug Study in Alberta; Introduced Ladybugs and Conservation; The Lesser Ladybugs of Alberta; The Larger Ladybugs of Alberta; References.