Bloomsbury Wildlife Guides – serie

'A fantastic little book' - BirdwatchFeaturing 130 of the most common and readily identifiable species, this illustrated pocket guide is the ideal companion for anyone interested in the naturally occurring spiders found in the British Isles.Presented in a portable and accessible format, this is the perfect guide for both beginners and more experienced enthusiasts.Featuring stunning artwork by the world-renowned invertebrate artist Richard Lewington, this pocket guide covers 130 species of spider, as well as illustrations of webs, egg cocoons and spider behaviour.The introduction features an ‘at-a-glance’ guide providing a quick reference to each species, with corresponding page numbers to find out more. Additional sections clearly explain how the reader can distinguish similar species, and the book also includes a glossary and bibliography to aid beginners.Each species account includes a detailed description covering field characteristics, habitat and distribution, webs, egg cocoons and similar species. Species accounts are interspersed with beautifully illustrated spreads showing similar, confusion species, making this perfect for use in the field.A contribution from the sale of each book is made to the British Arachnological Society.

The essential field guide to British and Irish Odonata, featuring unrivalled full-colour artwork of all 58 species.'A jewel of a book' - The IndependentAdult dragonflies are among the largest and most spectacular insects alive today, and their beautiful colours, phenomenal aerobatic skills and preference for flying in warm, sunny weather make them easy to observe. Now in its sixth edition, this trusted, practical guide enables you to identify all 58 species across the British Isles, featuring fascinating descriptive accounts and helpful insect-watching tips. It brings together more than 300 exquisitely detailed illustrations by renowned wildlife artist Richard Lewington alongside 168 stunning photographs to showcase the essential identification characteristics. Regional guides, flight-period charts and distribution maps help you to determine when and where to see each species, and an identification key to the larvae of all the resident and migratory dragonfly and damselfly species is also provided.Whether you are just beginning to explore the world of dragonflies and damselflies or are a long-time enthusiast, this an indispensable companion for discovering and identifying these remarkable insects.

The essential field guide to British and Irish Odonata, featuring unrivalled full-colour artwork of all 58 species.'A jewel of a book' - The IndependentAdult dragonflies are among the largest and most spectacular insects alive today, and their beautiful colours, phenomenal aerobatic skills and preference for flying in warm, sunny weather make them easy to observe. Now in its sixth edition, this trusted, practical guide enables you to identify all 58 species across the British Isles, featuring fascinating descriptive accounts and helpful insect-watching tips. It brings together more than 300 exquisitely detailed illustrations by renowned wildlife artist Richard Lewington alongside 168 stunning photographs to showcase the essential identification characteristics. Regional guides, flight-period charts and distribution maps help you to determine when and where to see each species, and an identification key to the larvae of all the resident and migratory dragonfly and damselfly species is also provided.Whether you are just beginning to explore the world of dragonflies and damselflies or are a long-time enthusiast, this an indispensable companion for discovering and identifying these remarkable insects.

‘A much-needed guide – you can’t truly understand a moth or a butterfly without first getting to know the caterpillar.’ – Nick BakerThis beautifully illustrated field guide covers caterpillars of the moth and butterfly species that are most likely to be encountered in the British Isles. The comprehensive introduction covers how to study caterpillars and provides a window into their diverse natural histories, while the species accounts cover status, field characters, similar species, habitat, foodplant and field notes, and are accompanied with up-to-date distribution maps.

'A ground-breaking identification guide ... the perfect marriage of artistic excellence, deep knowledge and, dare I say it, of scientists' genuine affection.' - Brett WestwoodThis brand new illustrated field guide covers all 47 species of ladybird occurring in the British Isles in a handy and easy-to-use format. Twenty-seven species are colourful and conspicuous and easily recognised as ladybirds; the remaining species are more challenging, but the clear illustrations and up-to-date text in this guide will help to break down the identification barriers.A useful introduction provides an overview of ladybird ecology, tips on studying and recording, and suggested sites for finding ladybirds. The main part of the book comprises detailed species texts, covering field characters, food, habitats, suggested survey methods, ranges, conservation statuses and distribution trends. An illustrated at-a-glance identification guide and helpful pointers for differentiating similar-looking species are also included.With 102 colour photographs and 47 distribution maps, combined with Richard Lewington’s peerless artwork, this is the definitive guide to one of our most cherished and charismatic insect groups.

The definitive guide to identifying dragonflies in EuropeField Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain and Europe is the ultimate identification guide to the Odonata of the region, with coverage stretching from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean basin and including western Turkey, Cyprus, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and the Azores, Canary Islands and Madeira.. Each species is lavishly illustrated with Richard Lewington's incomparable artwork of males, females and variations, as well as close-ups of important characteristics. Concise identification texts, is accompanied by accurate distribution maps, checklists and photography, and an introduction to larval identification is included. This ground-breaking field guide represents the last word in field identification of these insects across the continent.

Third edition of the most comprehensive and authoritative guide to the larger moths of Great Britain and Ireland.This latest edition of the Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland has been fully revised, updated and restructured, bringing it in line with the latest thinking in taxonomy. Moths are illustrated in their natural resting postures, and there are also paintings of different forms, underwings and other details to help with identification.New descriptions and illustrations have been included for species that have been newly recorded in Britain and Ireland since the last edition of the guide was published. The text descriptions of all other species – covering field characters and similar species, flight season, life cycle, larval foodplants, and habitat – have been revised and updated where necessary, and particular attention has been paid to updating the distribution information, which is now supported by maps.The revised general introduction explains how the methods of identifying and recording moths have evolved over recent years with the advent of new technologies and as a result of data analysis.

Bees are a fascinating and indispensable group of insects, but many species are in decline, and efforts to help determine distributions and changes in abundance have to date been compromised by a serious lack of identification resources.This book is from author Steven Falk, who is a professional naturalist and conservationist with over forty years’ experience of working with bees. It is a comprehensive introduction to bee classification, ecology, field techniques and recording, a full glossary, and information on how to separate the sexes and distinguish bees from other insects.Also included are introductions to families and genera, describing key characters and life histories, as well as detailed species descriptions covering field and microscopic characters, similar species, variants, flight season, habitat, flowers visited, nesting habits, status & distribution, and parasites & associates. A series of innovative illustrated keys to genera and species are designed to guide the user step by step through the identification process.The book is illustrated with over 1,000 colour and black and white artworks by Richard Lewington, one of Europe's leading insect artists. It also includes stunning photographs of living insects as seen in the wild and 234 up-to-date distribution maps.This eagerly anticipated new addition to the highly acclaimed British Wildlife Field Guides series will unravel the complexities of identification, and is designed to cater for people new to the bee world as well as to more experienced recorders who wish to identify every species accurately. It provides the latest information on the identification, ecology, status and distribution of all 275 species of bee in Britain, Ireland and the Channel Islands.

The second edition of Richard Lewington's pocket guide to the butterflies of Great Britain and IrelandPresented in an accessible, easy-to-use format, this is an ideal guide for both beginners and more experienced enthusiasts. It includes more than 600 superb illustrations of all the life stages of each species, together with beautiful artworks of the butterflies in their natural settings and pertinent species information, distribution maps and life history charts. The second edition features a new, illustrated ‘at-a-glance’ identification guide, updated distribution maps and species accounts, and new spreads and artwork for the Cryptic Wood White and Scarce Tortoiseshell.

A beautifully illustrated reference guide that will enable confident identification of British OrthopteraGrasshoppers are conspicuous for their giant leaping movements, bright colours and song. There has never been a better time to study these insects in Britain: over recent decades some species have declined, others have expanded their ranges and there have even been new discoveries of species that have come across from mainland Europe.This pioneering guide lays bare the complexities of identification of the 80 or so species that may be encountered in the British Isles. An engaging introduction explains why orthopteroid insects are so intriguing and rewarding to study, and how the pursuit can take you to visit extraordinary places. The illustrated ‘At-a-glance’ guide and key to the orders provide a helpful starting point to begin the process of identification, leading to the main species accounts that include details of distinguishing features, life-cycle and habitat, tips for distinguishing between similar species, distribution maps, sonograms and QR codes linking to sound recordings. The text is brought to life with Richard Lewington’s meticulous artwork, alongside photographs of the insects in their characteristic habitats.Designed to be accessible to beginners while also offering plenty of interest to more experienced entomologists, this book is the definitive guide to the Orthoptera of the British Isles.

A beautifully illustrated reference guide that will enable confident identification of British OrthopteraGrasshoppers are conspicuous for their giant leaping movements, bright colours and song. There has never been a better time to study these insects in Britain: over recent decades some species have declined, others have expanded their ranges and there have even been new discoveries of species that have come across from mainland Europe.This pioneering guide lays bare the complexities of identification of the 80 or so species that may be encountered in the British Isles. An engaging introduction explains why orthopteroid insects are so intriguing and rewarding to study, and how the pursuit can take you to visit extraordinary places. The illustrated ‘At-a-glance’ guide and key to the orders provide a helpful starting point to begin the process of identification, leading to the main species accounts that include details of distinguishing features, life-cycle and habitat, tips for distinguishing between similar species, distribution maps, sonograms and QR codes linking to sound recordings. The text is brought to life with Richard Lewington’s meticulous artwork, alongside photographs of the insects in their characteristic habitats.Designed to be accessible to beginners while also offering plenty of interest to more experienced entomologists, this book is the definitive guide to the Orthoptera of the British Isles.

With contributions from Dave Goulson and Gill Perkins, founder and CEO of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust respectively, this illustrated pocket guide is the ideal companion for anyone interested in the naturally occurring species of bumblebee that can be found in the British Isles.Thanks to their iconic furry jackets and low hum that embodies the sound of summer, bumblebees are some of the most charismatic and friendly insects you’re likely to encounter in Britain.Presented in the same portable and accessible format as the Pocket Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and Ireland by the same author, with a double-page spread dedicated to each species, this guide to bumblebees will appeal to both beginners and more experienced hymenopterists alike. It features stunning artwork by the world-renowned invertebrate artist Richard Lewington, covering the males and queens of all British true bumblebee and cuckoo bee species, alongside their common colour variations.The introduction includes a double-page spread of the 'big 7' species that are most likely to be encountered in gardens, and additional sections clearly explain how the reader can differentiate between the sexes and recognise true bumblebees from cuckoo bees. The 'at-a-glance' guide provides a quick reference to species grouped by tail colour. Identification can then be confirmed by following the reference page number to the appropriate species.Each species account includes a detailed description covering field characteristics, habitat and distribution, nest, flowers visited, parasites and similar species, and is accompanied by a seasonal flight chart and up-to-date distribution map. Species accounts are interspersed with spreads showing similar, confusion species, grouped together for direct comparison, and are followed by an illustrated section showing bumblebee mimics and lookalikes.1% of net receipts shall be donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust when you buy this item

The fully revised and expanded second edition of the ground-breaking book that made the fascinating micro-moth group accessible to the general naturalist.Written by a team of moth experts under the editorship of Phil Sterling, this is a complete guide to all the micro-moth families found in Great Britain and Ireland, including the Channel Islands. Species descriptions include field characters, similar species, flight season, habitat, larval foodplants, status and distribution. The introduction covers identifying, studying and finding micro-moths, including field techniques. Also included are innovative keys to families and genera.The second edition covers a total of 1,300 species, with more than 1,500 detailed photographs and artworks, and 900 updated species distribution maps. Names and species order have been revised to reflect the latest published taxonomy and common names have also been added, making this a must-have introduction to British microlepidoptera.