The Complete Field Guide to Stick and Leaf Insects of Australia [OP]

by Paul D. Brock, Jack W. Hasenpusch

Australia has a rich diversity of phasmids--otherwise known as stick and leaf insects. Most of them are endemic, few have been studied and new species continue to be found. Stick insects are, by far, Australia's longest insects--some of them reach up to 300 mm in body length and more than 500 mm including outstretched legs. Many stick insects are very colorful and some have quite elaborate, defensive behavior. Increasingly they are being kept as pets.

This is the first book on Australian phasmids for nearly 200 years. It includes photographs and distribution maps for all species, notes on their ecology and biology as well as identification keys suitable for novices or professionals.

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 2009

About the author

Paul D. Brock moved to the New Forest in 2008, keen to regularly survey one of the most important areas for insects in the UK, being home to numerous rarities. A Scientific Associate of the Natural History Museum, London, he is a world authority on stick and leaf insects and author of several popular, major reference books. He has a passion for observing and photographing insects of all orders - and is publishing this knowledge in the hope that it will help others to identify, record and study the fascinating and often beautiful, but still understudied insects. His book of New Forest insects published by Pisces Publications in 2011 also features photographs by several like-minded enthusiasts. This has been followed up by A comprehensive guide to Insects of Britain & Ireland published in May, 2014 (reprinted early 2015). The most complete guide to British & Irish insects ever published, there are over 2,700 photographs covering over 2,100 species. Reviews include 'the result is a quiet masterpiece...an incredible achievement' Peter Marren, British Wildlife 2014, '..a superb addition to the range of UK insect guides available and stands out as a leader in the field' Peter Smithers, Antenna 2014 and 'This book is an immense and astonishing achievement' Mark Parsons, Butterfly, 2014. The book was included in the Guardian 'Best nature literature of 2014' listing http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014...