A Guide to the Beetles of Australia

by George Hangay, Paul Zborowski

Overview

A Guide to the Beetles of Australia provides a comprehensive introduction to the Coleoptera – a huge and diverse group of insects. Beetles make up 40 per cent of all insects known to science. The number of described beetle species in the world – around 350 000 – is more than six times the number of all vertebrate species.

New beetle species are being discovered all the time. Of the 30 000 species that may occur in Australia, only 20 000 have been scientifically described. These include around 6500 weevils (Curculionidae), 2600 scarabs, dung beetles and chafers (Scarabaeidae); and 2250 leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae).

A Guide to the Beetles of Australia highlights the enormous diversity of this unique insect Order. It emphasises the environmental role of beetles, their relationships with other plants and animals, and their importance to humans.

Winner of the 2010 Whitley Medal.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780643101937
Publisher:	CSIRO PUBLISHING
Publication date:	04/27/2010
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	248
File size:	24 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Paul Zborowski is a qualified entomologist and photographer with over 25 years experience of field based study of insects and related creatures in habitats all over the world's tropics. He is the published author of a number of insect reference works including the Whitley Award winning Field Guide to Insects of Australia. He has a vast photo library of insect images, which he has built up over 30 years.

George Hangay has had an interest in insects since early childhood. He studied beetles in many parts of the world and in the last four decades he focused on the Australian fauna. After his retirement from the Australian Museum, where he worked as Chief Preparator, he participated in various projects as a consultant, curated the insect collection of AQIS (NSW) and wrote several articles and books. He continues to collaborate with many Australian and overseas coleopterists.

Table of Contents

Introduction
What makes a beetle?
Anatomy
Reproduction and development
Food and survival
Higher taxonomy
Family descriptions
Endnotes
Glossary
Index of common names
Index of scientific names

Editorial Reviews

"A book that will be useful to both amateurs and professionals, be they entomologists, coleopterists, ecologists, conservationists, or general lovers of the great natural beauty and biodiversity of beetles in the land 'Down Under'."

Robert E. Woodruff

"A Guide to the Beetles of Australia highlights the enormous diversity of this unique insect Order. It emphasises the environmental role of beetles, their relationships with other plants and animals, and their importance to humans. RECOMMENDATION: For those with an interest in beetles, especially the Australian species."

Birdbooker Report 141