Bugs of Washington and Oregon

by John Acorn, Ian Sheldon

A fun-filled field guide into the creepy-crawly world of the bugs of Washington and Oregon. Learn about 125 of the coolest bugs you might encounter in the great outdoors of the Northwest. John Acorn, an avid bugster and host of the popular television series The Nature Nut, supplies lively text that evokes each species' character. Respected artist and naturalist Ian Sheldon has created brilliant illustrations that bring each bug to life.

Genres: Reference, Nature

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom bought Bugs of Washington and Oregon by John Acorn and Ian Sheldon at a thrift store. We had been wondering about some of the bugs we had seen in their yard, particularly a butterfly that didn’t look like any of the others. This book describes 125 species with an illustration for each. It also mentions some other species in descriptions of the 125, such as the false black widow under black widow and the pill bug under sow bug. Each insect has a single page for description and illustration. It seems to be a good basic book of local insects. It does not necessarily describe what the juveniles look like or sexual dimorphism. I had to research on line to identify a spider that looked similar to a black widow - it was probably a make black widow. The butterfly we couldn’t identify had the pattern of a mourning cloak but different colors, so I still don’t know what it was. But based on the book’s illustration, it seems like it must have been something related to a mourning cloak, though.

I think it is a good reference for a beginner.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! Other books on entomology are mostly for either professional entomologists or highly experienced bugsters (once you read the book you will know what I mean!)
However this book focuses mainly on people that simply want to learn more about insects and has a causal feel to it. While some other books on entomology have great hordes of information in them they can get bland unlike this one which I found entertaining. and it held my interest!

[Lafcadio · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you get past the table of contents and the introduction, there is a page preceding the rest of the book emblazoned with the words: "The 125 Coolest Bugs of Washington & Oregon." How can you go wrong with that? Each page features a large, detailed, color drawing of a cool bug, along with pertinent information about it. This book does not cover every single arthropod you might find in the northwest, because that would be insane. It instead covers the ones you are most likely to see without trying very hard - perfect for anyone who is at best a weekend entomologist.

I heart Lone Pine field guides.

[Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice guide to Pacific Northwest arthropods, but a bit short, with only 125 species covered.