Essential Entomology
An Order-by-Order Introduction

An up-to-date order-by-order introduction and reference handbook for students of biological sciences in general and entomology in particular. Covers all the important groups on a worldwide basis. A concise guide to the insect orders and to what makes insects special and successful. The book is in three sections: * a straightforward introduction to insect biology; * a section on field work; and * an order-by-order catalogue of the insects giving essential facts and details of life-histories, highlighting what makes each order distinct To make the material as accessible as possible, the information for each order is presented in a standard manner. Throughout, the book is written in a straighforward style with as little technical language as possible. Essential terms are fully explained in context with marginal notes. Includes a pictoral aid the identification of the orders and key references. Contains specially commissioned illustrations by RICHARD LEWINGTON.

Preface, INTRODUCTION TO INSECT EVOLUTION AND BIOLOGY, The evolution of the arthropods, Five factors in a winning formula, Insect structure, KEY TO THE INSECT ORDERS, THE INSECT ORDERS, The primitively wingless insects, Archaeognatha, Thysanura, The winged insects, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Neoptera, Plecoptera, Blattodea, Isoptera, Mantodea, Grylloblattodea, Dermaptera, Orthoptera, Phasmatodea, Embioptera, Zoraptera, Psocoptera, Phthiraptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, Megaloptera, Raphidioptera, Neuroptera, Coleoptera, Strepsiptera, Mecoptera, Siphonaptera, Diptera, Tichoptera, Hymenoptera, FIELD WORK, Bibliography, Index

Dr George C. McGavin is the Assistant Curator of the Entomological Collections in the Oxford University Museum, one of the worlds' largest insect collections. He is also Lecturer in Biological and Human Sciences at Jesus College, Oxford and a member of the Expedition Council and Advisory Committee of the Oxford University Exploration Club. In addition to scientific papers, he has written many books on bugs and other insects for adults and children and is also known on radio and television. He eats insects regularly and currently has three insect species named in his honour. Illustrations by Richard Lewington, highly-respected and renowned insect artist