Introduction to California Beetles (Volume 78) (California Natural History Guides)

By James N. Hogue and Arthur V. Evans

Book Overview

The amazing armored bodies of beetles allow them to bore into plant tissue, navigate fast-moving streams, burrow through seemingly impenetrable soil, survive blistering heat, and fly. With around 8,000 species living in California, beetles represent the largest and most diverse group of organisms in the state and are an excellent subject for study since they can be found almost everywhere--in backyards, gardens, forests, and deserts. This, the only guide to California beetles available, is the perfect book for anyone--from outdoor enthusiasts to professional biologists--who wants to explore the fascinating world of beetles. In addition to providing information on where to find and how to study beetles, the book also gives an engaging and accessible overview of their natural history, biology, distribution, and relation to humans.

* 51 color illustrations and supporting black-and-white photographs and drawings identify the characteristics and habits of 23 of the most conspicuous and interesting beetle families in California

* Chapters describe beetles of special interest--fossil species, endangered species, pests, biological control agents, and more

* Includes an annotated list of terrestrial and aquatic beetle habitats by season, information on starting and caring for a beetle collection, details on keeping beetles alive in the classroom, and a checklist of California beetle families

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520240359
• ISBN13: 9780520240353
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 316 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.3" x 0.9" x 4.5"

Customer Reviews

Introduction to California Beetles is really an introduction to IPM

An an entomologist I was really a little disappointed in this book because it has very few pictures of beetles and seemed unbalanced for the target audience. I you want an introduction to the life history and ecology of some of the most important beetles, this is the book for you -- but be prepared to struggle through some hard vocabulary. (For example, microfossils, radiocarbon dating (undefined), Pleistocene matrix, and faunal are found on page 100). If you want to identify beetles, purchase a field guide.