Alien Worlds: How Insects Conquered the Earth, and Why Their Fate Will Determine Our Future

by Steve Nicholls

A beautifully illustrated journey into the hidden realm of insects

Life on Earth depends on the busy activities of insects, but global populations of these teeming creatures are currently under threat, with grave consequences for us all. Alien Worlds presents insects and other arthropods as you have never seen them before, explaining how they conquered the planet and why there are so many of them, and shedding light on the evolutionary marvels that enabled them to thrive. Blending glorious imagery with entertaining and informative science writing, this book takes you inside the hidden realm of insects and reveals why their fate carries profound implications for our own.


Spectacular photos provide a rare, up-close look at the alien worlds of insectsSheds light on the origins and wondrous diversity of insectsDiscusses how insects first took to the air and colonised the far corners of our planetExplores the extraordinary sensory world of insectsExplains the remarkable success of social insects, from termites and ants to bees and wasps

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Biology, Nature, Animals, Natural History, Audiobook

496 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2023

Reviews

[Bryn Buff · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’ve reached peak neurodivergence. i read most of this book while walking on the treadmill listening to 10 hour minecraft music with rain on loop

[Erich H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25/5
Lots of information, so much that I felt every time I finished a chapter, much of the previous chapter had been pushed out of my brain. Photo illustrations are amazing, but too often have nothing to do with the insects being discussed in text. The author would talk about how amazing looking something was, and then there would be twelve different pictures, none of which were the species in question. The subtitle also was a bit misleading, as it had really nothing to do with "why their fate will determine our future" and was largely just a collection of neat facts and anecdotes about a lot of different insects. Also, in a couple chapters it felt that the proofing had been rushed (errors in text, duplicated footnote, etc.). Not unhappy I read it, learned a lot, but pretty happy to be finished with it.

[Lara Reusch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world of insects is small in size but large in volume. I learnt so much reading this book and every bit of new information brought me joy. I now look at the world around me with new keen eyes, trying to spot any small creatures to investigate.

[anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

finally finished! i really loved this book i feel like you learn a lot about insects in a pretty accessible way… bugs are so cool. i read most of this book like in may and june before i had to return it to the library but i liked this book so much that i picked it up Again to finish which should tell you something lol. i wish there was a little more about insect conservation etc etc but overall loved everything (i mean it was all bug facts what’s not to like). my only complaint was that the pictures were mostly unrelated to the text (a cool bug would be described but the pictures would not be of that cool bug just like some other bug we weren’t reading about :( ) but you can’t take a picture of every bug i guess. sad. anyways great book 10/10 though perhaps a bit of a commitment for someone who doesn’t know if they like bugs yet lol

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An fascinating look at some of the most incredible, unusual, and in some cases downright bizarre, insects worldwide. Very enjoyable reading, as Steve Nicholls' deep affection for these often-overlooked creatures shines through .

[Jam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between a 6 and an 8, very interesting. Explains further the complexities and importance of insects in every area of the earth. I especially liked the research into their social behaviors, evolution, and super organism status.

[Cee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have even a mild interest in insects, this book is a fantastic choice! There's admiration for insects and their world in every page, and it was able to stir in me a fascination even with those I far less appreciated.

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent look at the insect universe. The author discusses family after family of insect and their behaviors and characteristics that make them unique. It is an excellent education for people interested in learning about these animals.

[Linda Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful books with fascinating information and absolutely amazing photos

[Corvus]

I am not sure why, but I could not get into this one. Not bad, just not for me.

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, enthusiastic, passionate book that makes its detailed treatment seem lightweight and breezy.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting.

[Diana Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written with incredible photographs by the author. Read for a book club that had a zoom with the author - what a bonus!