Insects: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

To date, more than a million insect species have been described, with probably at least another 5-8 million species waiting in the wings for a name. Insects are a fascinatingly diverse and beautiful spectrum of animals. They range in size from the tiny parasitic wasp, measuring a mere 139µm, to the aptly named Titan beetle, which can reach lengths of up to 17cm. They can be found on all continents of the world, from the Sahara Desert to the frozen wastes of Antarctica; in caves, under the ground, inside plants, other insects and vertebrates, in rivers, streams, lakes and ponds, in puddles, in the watery interiors of pitcher plants; and in our houses. While no insects live beneath the waves, the intrepid sea skaters skim the surface of some of the world's oceans.

This Very Short Introduction explores the extraordinary world of insects. It analyzes insect evolution, taxonomy, and development, and describes their behavior, their lifestyles, and the interactions they have with other insects and animals. As Simon Leather shows, insects are the bedrock on which human civilization rests; without them we would almost certainly not exist. Although they can be seen as pests of our crop plants, they are also invaluable for pollinating our flowering plants and are an invaluable link in all land ecosystems. As they face challenges from climate change and pesticides, it has never been more important to understand these oft-dismissed creatures.

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.