Bizarre Bugs

by Doug Wechsler

Insects have some pretty odd shapes. Even common ones are strange--a fly is like a huge pair of eye clusters on wings. A butterfly is a slender bug trapped between two gigantic sails. A firefly is a creature with a chemistry set tacked on behind. Many insects are even stranger. Some wear long streamers of wax, faces like alligators, or fancy polka dots. In text and spectacular photographs, meet some of these unusual insects and find out why they have such flashy colors, curious shapes, and peculiar life cycles. Discover how these adaptations help insects fend off enemies, feed themselves, or survive in a harsh environment. Here is an intriguing introduction to the bizarre world of insects.

Genres: Nonfiction

48 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1995

About the author

Doug Wechsler takes his inspiration from the jungles, swamps and seashores of the world as well as from his own backyard. By showing the wonders of nature and its humorous side he hopes to motivate his readers to deepen their interest in their natural surroundings. His current projects take him to local parks and Ecuador.

A wildlife biologist and photographer, Doug Wechsler was Director of VIREO (Visual Resources for Ornithology a part of The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. As part of his job running the most comprehensive collection of bird photographs anywhere, he traveled the world to photograph birds. He has participated in expeditions to Borneo, Ecuador, Cuba, Panama, Cameroon, Alaska, and the Philippines.

His most recent books include: Blowholes, Book Gills and Butt-breathers, The Cicadas Are Coming!, The Hidden Life of a Toad, Marvels in the Muck: Life in the Salt Marshes and Frog Heaven.