Introduction to California Beetles

California Natural History Guides #78

by Arthur V. Evans, James N. Hogue

The amazing armored bodies of beetles allow them to bore into plant tissue, navigate fast-moving streams, burrow through seemingly impenetrable soil, survive blistering heat, and fly. With around 8,000 species living in California, beetles represent the largest and most diverse group of organisms in the state and are an excellent subject for study since they can be found almost everywhere—in backyards, gardens, forests, and deserts. This, the only guide to California beetles available, is the perfect book for anyone—from outdoor enthusiasts to professional biologists—who wants to explore the fascinating world of beetles. In addition to providing information on where to find and how to study beetles, the book also gives an engaging and accessible overview of their natural history, biology, distribution, and relation to humans.

* 51 color illustrations and supporting black-and-white photographs and drawings identify the characteristics and habits of 23 of the most conspicuous and interesting beetle families in California

* Chapters describe beetles of special interest—fossil species, endangered species, pests, biological control agents, and more

* Includes an annotated list of terrestrial and aquatic beetle habitats by season, information on starting and caring for a beetle collection, details on keeping beetles alive in the classroom, and a checklist of California beetle families

Genres: Nature

316 pages, Hardcover

First published February 28, 2004

Reviews

[Scott Cox]

Introduction to California Beetles is an excellent overview of the fascinating order of Coleoptera found in California. Starting with a brief history of early California entomologists, and ending with an educational chapter on how to study Beetles, this work is a welcomed addition to the outstanding California Natural History Guide series. One of the authors, Arthur Evans, is also coauthor of "An Inordinate Fondness for Beetles," a work of which I have read many excellent reviews. My only critique of this guide was that the family overview section was too generalized to be of much field identification value. Also, the section on "Photographing Beetles" seemed to be somewhat outdated, focusing more on film than on digital camera techniques. However the descriptions and drawings of what differentiates beetles from other insects, as well as the emphasis given to California's endangered and sensitive species are excellent!