Maxwell V. L. Barclay

An introduction is provided to the present state of knowledge of beetle families and their larvae in the British Isles and relevant larval identification literature. Summaries are given of general larval morphology; specialised biological aspects such as hypermetamorphosis and parasitism; habitats and behaviour as aids to identification, especially of those species in which adults and larvae occupy totally different habitats and in which one or other stage is much more commonly encountered; pest species and biological control; and collecting, preservation and rearing. Illustrated keys are provided to distinguish beetle larvae from those belonging to other insect orders, and to families of Coleoptera larvae. Colour photographs of beetle larvae representing many of the families discussed, and using specimens from the van Emden collection, are provided.

A richly illustrated guide to the astonishing variety of beetles around the worldBeetles make up about a quarter of known animal species and are arguably the most diverse group of organisms on Earth: almost 400,000 species have been formally described so far, and it is likely that this number merely scratches the surface. In Beetles of the World, Maxwell Barclay and Patrice Bouchard—two of the world’s foremost beetle experts—celebrate these remarkable creatures in all their variety, from their size and appearance to their ecological importance. Providing concise accounts of all the major families and subfamilies of Coleoptera, Beetles of the World explores beetle anatomy, life cycle, fossil history, feeding habits, role in the food web, habitats, relationship with humans, and classification—as well as the essential part that beetles play in the global ecosystem, and the ways humans can help protect them. Features 300 stunning color photographsPresents family profiles with a distribution map, table of information, and commentaryIncludes a comprehensive introduction that provides insight into the astonishing diversity of beetles and their histories