Furtive Fauna: A Field Guide to the Creatures Who Live on You

by Roger M. Knutson

We've all been bitten by mosquitoes, annoyed by buzzing flies, and perhaps had an itchy and embarrassing encounter with head lice back in grammar school. But there are many more strange creatures that thrive on humans, living out their entire lives on or around our heads, bodies, bedsheets, and carpets. In this oddly charming and utterly engaging wildlife guide, biology professor Roger Knutson (author of Flattened Fauna, the classic guide to animals of the highways) introduces us to a rogues' gallery of visitors, guests, and permanent residents,

* They can lie in wait for years hoping for something tasty to wander by. If it happens to be you, you can look forward to the possibility of Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tsutsugamushi disease, and other interesting disorders.

* They have incredibly elaborate sex lives and can jump really, really far. And you almost certainly don't want to become a flea researcher, given what the job entails

*Face You'll probably never see one, as they're microscopically small, but you may never feel the same way about your eyebrows again either.

...and many more micro-critters, from the ubiquitous fly to the wiy tooth amoeba. Scientifically accurate, adorably witty, and handsomely illustrated, this book that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "you're a perfect host."

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Nature

96 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1992

Reviews

[Stephen Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was too short. I am certain there are some really good human parasites that were omitted here for space considerations.

My favorite shout-outs in this book were in a single chapter -- number 12. Jimmy Carter helping to wipe out the Guinea worm and Ivermectin as a miracle drug for wiping out River Blindness (and not Covid, mind you).

I'm not motivated to eat more meat or to have any warm freshwater splashed up my nose at this point. Scariest part of this book? Chapter 15 is entitled "How to Keep Parasites at Bay" and point number 5 there simply states, "Be lucky." I am unsure how lucky I am, to be honest.

[Fabio Mologni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent book, light and full of jokes. Interesting to read about all the fauna (and fungi and bacteria) that can live on/of us. Sometimes it could have been a bit more succinct and to the point. Otherwise, a light, pleasant read.

[Lucas Lysne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful guide to the ectoparasitic, or otherwise ecto-dermo-biotic life we live, entangled and messy and yet that's life isn't it? The consideration given here to that which we swat and kill and would gladly exterminate, makes you fine tune your empathy broader and wider than it was before. Knutson makes a simple plea: Consider the Flea.

Perhaps one complaint, is that it isn't longer, or more voluminous in other dimensions: would love a single, beautifully formatted and printed volume that collects all the work Roger has done in this vein.

[Peggy McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! The science is serious and right on, but the tone is light-hearted. The author lets us look at the world through the (many) eyes of ectoparasites who just want to live the good life and make babies! Our and their evolutions are parallel.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good non-fiction, light and breezy, just enough humor to keep the read pleasant. I learned a lot (well, a lot more than I knew before) about parasites. They are a really amazing subject and the author make quite a few interesting points. For example, parasites have learned to exist, utilize and thrive in their environment without damage (in many cases). Does that make them better then us?

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hysterical. "Life is hard for a parasite. You may think it is hard for the host, especially if you are the host, but think again. A protracted and intimate association is the essence of a parasitic relationship, somewhat like a marriage or parenthood." It goes on.

[Spooky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is enjoyable to read, informative and funny. Though I have some issues with the chapter on bed bugs. Bed bug nymphs do feed on humans and need a blood meal in between each molt. They do not need unclean conditions to live and can live in the most stringently cleaned houses and hotels.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: this book will make you itch! Knutson examines the fleas, lice, bedbugs, face mites, dust mites, and other tiny critters that live amongst us and, at times, upon us. Creepy fun.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for booktalkiing