Sasol Eerste Veldgids tot Insekte van Suider-Afrika bied ’n fassinerende blik op die insekte van die streek. Met behulp van volkleurfoto’s en maklik leesbare teks, sal die beginner en ontluikende natuurliefhebber die meer algemene insekgroepe in Suider-Afrika kan identifiseer, kan vasstel waar hulle voorkom, en meer te wete kom oor hul gedrag en ongewone eienskappe.

Fully revised, the new edition of Steve Woodhall’s lavishly illustrated Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa features all of South Africa’s 671 butterfly species. This popular field guide now includes 8 new species, two new African Plain Tiger subspecies and incorporates the most recent taxonomic changes based on DNA studies.

As with the first edition, the photography is exceptional and 70% of the images in the book are new. An invaluable aid to identification, they show male and female forms (where they differ) and upper- and undersides (where possible). The species accounts have been comprehensively updated and expanded, covering identification, habits, flight periods, broods, typical habitat, distribution and larval food sources. A helpful introductory section with over 100 images, including 55 early stages images compared to 32 in the first edition discusses butterfly biology, taxonomy, classification, anatomy and behaviour.

Other features include:

• Colour-coded sections at subfamily level for ease of use
• A quick reference to butterfly groups on the inside front
• Updated distribution maps for all species entries

Anyone with an interest in the natural world, from lepidopterists and entomologists (both amateur and professional) to students, gardeners and tourists, will appreciate this beautiful and invaluable guide.

These intricate illustrations of birds and butterflies are just waiting for you to bring them to life

Whether you are admiring a butterfly flying high up in the tree canopy or basking on a plant in your garden, butterflies are some of our most captivating and beautiful insects. But could you recognise a Scotch Argus from a Mountain Ringlet? Or distinguish between a Small Tortoiseshell and a Comma? These are just a few of the 57 resident butterfly species that are attracted to the UK's gardens to feed and, in the case of females, lay their eggs. RSPB ID Spotlight Butterflies is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of all 57 of the UK's resident butterflies by renowned artist Richard Lewington. - Species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification - Artworks are shown side by side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field - The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our butterflies, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB and other conservation charities are working to support them - Practical tips on how to create a butterfly-friendly garden are also included The ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

Watching a garden busy with bees is one of the joys of summer. But can you tell a White-tailed Bumblebee from a Garden Bumblebee? Or confidently distinguish between a Patchwork Leafcutter Bee and a Long-horned Bee? Britain and Ireland are home to more than 270 species of bees, some of which play an important ecological role through their industrious pollination of our crops and wildflowers. RSPB ID Spotlight Bees is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of 40 of our most widespread and familiar bees by renowned artist Richard Lewington. - Species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification - Artworks are shown side by side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field - The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our bees, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB and other conservation charities are working to support them - Practical tips on bug houses, planting for pollinators and gardening for bees are also included The ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

Animals are often heard before they are spotted, and this book serves as an excellent guide to help identify 76 creatures (mammals, birds, amphibians and insects), based primarily on their calls.

For each of the species listed, there is a full-colour photograph, distribution map and brief facts about its life history and behaviour.

Key features:

- An accompanying CD with 76 common animal calls

- Photographs and distribution maps for each species

- Interesting facts, including habitat, diet and time of calls

An invaluable resource for nature lovers of all ages, this CD and book will provide a new way of recognising the varied sounds of Africa's wild areas.

Bees are a symbol of nature conservation. People all over the world are studying their fate and the threats posed to them by human activity and biodiversity loss. This is a stunning photographic record captures for the first time the unique way of life of the, forest-dwelling honey bee. A lavish, picture-led book, this is a unique collaboration between Germany's leading bee expert, Prof. Dr Jurgen Tautz, and one of the world's top nature photographers Ingo Arndt, which documents a major research project into the mysterious, hidden world of the honey bee.

A BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED LOOK AT THE LIVES AND MIND-BOGGLING BEHAVIOURS OF INSECTS How to Read an Insect takes you on an unforgettable tour of the insect world, presenting these amazing creatures as you have never seen them before. This stunningly illustrated guide puts a wealth of fascinating behaviours under the microscope - from elegant displays of courtship to brutal acts of predation. Along the way, Ross Piper charts the evolution of insects and reveals everything you need to know about how they nest, feed, reproduce and defend themselves. He concludes by discussing the impact of the human world on insects, and what we can do to prevent their decline in numbers. * Explores the remarkable lifestyles of exotic insects as well as those in your own garden. * Includes highlights from a wide range of new insect behaviour studies. * Features a wealth of breathtaking colour photos, illustrations, and graphics.

Whether you are out in the countryside or at work in the garden, you might encounter several different kinds of caterpillars. The larval stages of butterflies and moths, caterpillars come in many shapes, sizes and colours, and each has its own particular charm. But can you tell a Comma from a Small Tortoiseshell? Or distinguish between the caterpillar of a Drinker and Fox Moth? These are only a few of the hundreds of caterpillars found in the UK, many of which are just as beautiful and varied as their adult counterparts. RSPB ID Spotlight Caterpillars is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of 60 of our most widespread and familiar caterpillars by renowned artist Richard Lewington. * Species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification * Artworks are shown side by side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field * The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our caterpillars, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB and other conservation charities are working to support them * Practical tips on how to make your garden more caterpillar-friendly are also included The ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

A new and improved edition of the popular photographic field guide Britain's Butterflies is a comprehensive and beautifully designed photographic field guide to the butterflies of Britain and Ireland. Containing hundreds of stunning colour photographs, this extensively revised and updated new edition provides the latest information on every species ever recorded. It covers in detail the identification of all 59 butterfly species that breed regularly, as well as four former breeders, 10 rare migrants and one species of unknown status. The easy-to-use format will enable butterfly watchers-beginners or experts-to identify any species they encounter. Produced in association with Butterfly Conservation, this edition features new introductory sections to the main "types" of butterflies; updated distribution maps; a revised species order reflecting the latest taxonomy; revised sections on recording and monitoring, and conservation and legislation; and a new section on climate change. Stunning colour plates show typical views of each butterfly species, including the various forms and common aberrations Detailed species profiles provide information on status and distribution, including up-to-date maps, and cover adult identification; behaviour; breeding habitat requirements; population and conservation; egg, caterpillar and chrysalis; and caterpillar foodplants Photographs of the egg, caterpillar and chrysalis for every breeding species Sections on biology, where to look for and how to identify butterflies, and other essential information

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2020 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE A naturalist's passionate dive into the lives of bees (of all stripes)-and the natural world in her own backyard Brigit Strawbridge Howard was shocked the day she realised she knew more about the French Revolution than she did about her native trees. And birds. And wildflowers. And bees. The thought stopped her-quite literally-in her tracks. But that day was also the start of a journey, one filled with silver birches and hairy-footed flower bees, skylarks, and rosebay willow herb, and the joy that comes with deepening one's relationship with place. Dancing with Bees is Strawbridge Howard's charming and eloquent account of a return to noticing, to rediscovering a perspective on the world that had somehow been lost to her for decades and to reconnecting with the natural world. With special care and attention to the plight of pollinators, including honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary bees, and what we can do to help them, Strawbridge Howard shares fascinating details of the lives of flora and fauna that have filled her days with ever-increasing wonder and delight.

A gorgeous sticker book that introduces children to the fascinating world of butterflies and moths. Takes a close-up look at how butterflies feed from flowers, fruit and puddles, and follows their life-cycle, from a tiny egg to a caterpillar, and then from a pupa to a beautiful butterfly. Includes over 150 stickers.

  Calling all budding explorers! The Animal Explorers will inspire you to follow your dreams! Ivy the elephant thought she didn't like bugs, until she discovered how amazing they are! Now Ivy's determined to be a bug hunter, so she can explore the wonderful world of minibeasts. Join Ivy on a fabulous bug safari, then discover the inspiring stories of three real-life bug hunters and scientists. Animal Explorers is a witty, entertaining picture-book series that will inspire children to follow their dreams. Sharon Rentta's glowing illustrations are packed with fabulous characters and funny details to point out and share. Mini biographies at the end of the book tell the amazing stories of three real-life bug hunters and scientist   Praise for Sharon Rentta's books: "Rentta's illustrations are first class . . . destined to become a favourite" Carousel "full of colour and joy . . . great to read out loud" Books for Keeps

Watching dragonflies dart among the plants on a riverbank or at the edge of your pond is one of the joys of summer. But do you know a Southern Damselfly from a Variable Damselfly? Or can you tell the difference between a Scarce Chaser and a Keeled Skimmer? Dragonflies and damselflies - known collectively as Odonata - are some of our most fascinating insects. Although they only live for a short time, they have many behaviours that are easy to observe, including captivating aerial skills that they utilise to hunt in mid-air. RSPB ID Spotlight Dragonflies and Damselflies is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of 42 of our most widespread and familiar Odonata by renowned artist Richard Lewington. - Species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification - Artworks are shown side by side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field - The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our dragonflies and damselflies, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB and other conservation charities are working to support them - Practical tips on how to install a wildlife pond and make your garden more dragonfly- and damselfly-friendly are also included The ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

Whether you are following the progress of a moth as it flutters around a street lamp or become captivated by the sight of a hawk-moth feeding from lavender, moths are everywhere. But can you tell a Peach Blossom from a Buff Arches? Or distinguish between a Cinnabar and a Six-spot Burnet? Mostly active by night, moths are often overlooked compared to colourful day-flying butterflies. But the UK is home to more than 2,500 moth species, many of which are beautiful and varied, with different wing shapes, sizes and patterns. RSPB ID Spotlight Moths is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of 90 of our most widespread and familiar moths by renowned artist Richard Lewington. - Species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification - Artworks are shown side by side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field - The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our moths, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB and other conservation charities are working to support them - Practical tips on how to monitor moth populations and turn your garden into a moth haven are also included The ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

The ideal portable companion, the world-renowned Collins Gem series returns with a fresh new look and updated material. This is the perfect pocket guide for nature enthusiasts keen to identify the most commonly seen butterflies and moths in Britain and northern Europe. Authoritative text, beautiful photographs and detailed illustrations show the distinguishing features of each butterfly and moth to aid identification. Features information on size, habitat, geographical range and months when they can be spotted, as well as names of similar species with which each butterfly or moth could be confused, and details of the differences between them. This new edition builds on the strengths of the unrivalled original, now expanded to include over 240 butterflies and moths.

Every garden, large or small, in a town or in the country, even one formed completely by pots, can be a living dance of lavish colours, glorious scents and pollen-rich flowers alive to the sound of bird song and the buzz of bees. In Planting a Paradise, Arthur Parkinson, bestselling author of The Flower Yard, focuses on what to grow through the seasons with an array of planting ideas and recommended varieties to inspire the experienced and novice gardener alike. From his newly found love of muscari, narcissi and seeding grasses, to circuses of dahlias, luscious herbs, figs and crab apples, the result is not only a stunning living harvest but also an oasis for wildlife at a time when we need this style of gardening more than ever. Praise for The Flower Yard: 'Simply gorgeous' - Nigel Slater 'The Kew-trained king of the small-space garden' - Guardian

A comprehensively updated edition of an identification guide that was named a Guardian Best Nature Book of the Year Now in a comprehensively revised and updated new edition, Britain's Spiders is a guide to all 38 of the British families, focussing on spiders that can be identified in the field. Illustrated with a remarkable collection of photographs, it is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, including those new to spider identification. This book pushes the boundaries of field identification for this challenging group, combining information on features that can be seen with the naked eye or a hand lens with additional evidence from webs, egg sacs, behaviour, phenology, habitats and distributions. Individual accounts cover 404 species-all of Britain's "macro" spiders and the larger money spiders, with the limitations to field identification clearly explained. This new edition includes nine species new to Britain, many recent name changes, updated distribution maps and species information, new guides to help identify spider families and distinctive species, and the latest species checklist. A guide to spider families, based on features recognizable in the field, focussing on body shape and other characteristics, as well as separate guides to webs and egg-sacs Detailed accounts and more than 700 stunning photographs highlight key identification features for each genus and species, and include information on status, behaviour and habitats Up-to-date distribution maps, and charts showing adult seasonality Introductory chapters on the biology of spiders, and where, when and how to find them, including equipment needed in the field A complete list of the spiders recorded in Britain, indicating the ease of identification as well as rarity and conservation status Information on how to record spiders and make your records count, and guidance on how to take your interest further New to this edition: coverage of nine species new to Britain, updated species information and distribution maps, identification guides to spider families and distinctive species, and the latest species checklist

Packed with beautiful scenes showing butterflies of the world flitting among flowers. Simply brush water over the black and white designs to watch the butterflies burst into a rainbow of colours.

Take a stroll through any habitat and you will find animals with special adaptations that allow them to thrive there. These are the Animal Champions! Let's head to the mountains, skies, jungle and oceans to learn about what makes these animals champions and why they are perfect matches for the habitats they call home.

100 Australian Butterflies, Bees, Beetles & Bugs is your beginner's guide to unlocking the weird and wonderful world of creepy crawlies. Australia is renowned for its wacky contributions to the insect world, and with this easy-to-read field guide you'll be ready to explore your own backyard and beyond to the fullest. No matter where you are across the continent, nature-enthusiast Georgia Angus has taken the guesswork out of wondering what's wriggling and buzzing in your garden. From bogong moths to witjuti grubs, this book will share how to find and identify 100 of Australia's key native species. All the information you need is paired with distribution maps and Georgia's annotated and intricately hand-drawn illustrations. Contributions from Gumbaynggirr, Yugambeh, Alyawarr and Warlpiri Peoples provide insect names in language and First Nations traditional knowledge for many of these species. 100 Australian Butterflies, Bees, Beetles & Bugs is for anyone wanting a comprehensive yet accessible (and entertaining) guide to anything that flies, crawls, writhes and wriggles. Thanks to Jamil Tye for reviewing First Nations content for this publication.

'A funny and beautifully written welcome to the enigmatic, weird and wonderful world of wasps' DAVE GOULSON, author of SILENT EARTH There may be no insect with a worse reputation than the wasp, and none guarding so many undiscovered wonders. Where bees and ants have long been the darlings of the insect world, wasps are much older, cleverer and more diverse. They are the bee's evolutionary ancestors - flying 100 million years earlier - and today they are just as essential for the survival of our environment. A bee, ecologist Professor Seirian Sumner argues, is just a wasp that has forgotten how to hunt. For readers of Entangled Life, Other Minds and The Gospel of Eels, this is a book to upturn your expectations about one overlooked animal and the wider architecture of our natural world. With endless surprises, this book might teach you about the wasps that spend their entire lives sealed inside a fig, about stinging wasps, about parasitic wasps, about wasps that turn cockroaches into living zombies, about how wasps taught us to make paper. It offers up a maligned insect in all its diverse, unexpected splendour; as both predator and pollinator, the wasp is an essential pest controller worldwide. Inside their sophisticated social worlds is the best model we have for the earth's major evolutionary transitions. In their understudied biology are clues to progressing medicine, including a possible cure for cancer. The closer you look at these spurned, winged insects - both custodians and bouncers of our planet - the more you see. Their secrets have so far gone mostly untapped, but the potential of the wasp is endless.

The ultimate visual journey into the beautiful and complex world of wasps Wasps are far more diverse than the familiar yellowjackets and hornets that harass picnickers and build nests under the eaves of our homes. These amazing, mostly solitary creatures thrive in nearly every habitat on Earth, and their influence on our lives is overwhelmingly beneficial. Wasps are agents of pest control in agriculture and gardens. They are subjects of study in medicine, engineering, and other important fields. Wasps pollinate flowers, engage in symbiotic relationships with other organisms, and create architectural masterpieces in the form of their nests. This richly illustrated book introduces you to some of the most spectacular members of the wasp realm, colorful in both appearance and lifestyle. From minute fairyflies to gargantuan tarantula hawks, wasps exploit almost every niche on the planet. So successful are they at survival that other organisms emulate their appearance and behavior. The sting is the least reason to respect wasps and, as you will see, no reason to loathe them, either. Written by a leading authority on these remarkable insects, Wasps reveals a world of staggering variety and endless fascination. Packed with more than 150 incredible color photos Includes a wealth of eye-popping infographics Provides comprehensive treatments of most wasp families Describes wasp species from all corners of the world Covers wasp evolution, ecology, physiology, diversity, and behavior Highlights the positive relationships wasps share with humans and the environment