Insects: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #709

by Simon Leather

To date, more than a million insect species have been described, with probably at least another 5-8 million species waiting in the wings for a name. Insects are a fascinatingly diverse and beautiful spectrum of animals. They range in size from the tiny parasitic wasp, measuring a mere 139�m, to the aptly named Titan beetle, which can reach lengths of up to 17cm. They can be found on all continents of the world, from the Sahara Desert to the frozen wastes of Antarctica; in caves, under the ground, inside plants, other insects and vertebrates, in rivers, streams, lakes and ponds, in puddles, in the watery interiors of pitcher plants; and in our houses. While no insects live beneath the waves, the intrepid sea skaters skim the surface of some of the world's oceans.

This Very Short Introduction explores the extraordinary world of insects. It analyses insect evolution, taxonomy and development, and describes their behaviour, their life styles, and the interactions they have with other insects and other animals. As Simon Leather shows, insects are the bedrock on which human civilisation rests; without them we would almost certainly not exist. Although they can be seen as pests of our crops plants, they are also invaluable for pollinating our flowering plants and are an invaluable link in all land ecosystems. As they face challenges from climate change and pesticides it has never been more important to understand these oft-dismissed creatures.

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Genres: Science, Biology, Nonfiction

152 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2022

Reviews

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion, one of the better written and more engaging of the A Very Short Introduction books. I feel like it is marred mostly by some poor editing in a few places, which I attribute to the fact that, as revealed in a forward to the work, the author sadly passed away before the book was completed. I feel like it works well because it does a good job of balancing the general and the specific, of describing different aspects of insect biology and ecology, then illustrating the point with interesting descriptions of particular species or phyla. I also really love the chart of insect orders and how it combines the definition of their scientific names with brief descriptions of their defining characteristics.

[Kiril Przo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this gem during my summer field work tour, but I used this holidays to finish it.
Now past prof. Leather created this book full with warmth, love and amazement towards his life and career focus - the marvellous world of insects. In very approachable, jargon free style (as he is referring his writing) and with lot of examples, jokes and short stories he is talking the reader and fun and scientific trip in the entomological world. This book is GREAT example of how modern natural history writers should approach their field of interest.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to insects which given its remit and length means there's no room to go into real depth about any particular species. This is an overall view and as such covers a lot of ground in a short amount of space. That means it very suitable for those who know nothing, or not far off, to get a glimpse into their lives. Even though I'm not particularly fond of insects and associated creepy crawlies, and the thought of picking most of them up has me in a cold sweat, I still find them and their lives endlessly fascinating. Definitely a worthwhile read.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One class I never took in my Biology program (thankfully) was entomology. Providentially, the professor who taught that course retired the semester before I was to take it. Still, this is why books such as this one exist. There was a lot of carryover from my courses in zoology and ecology, so the terminology was familiar. Insects are fascinating creatures, from a distance.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's clear how much the author loves beetles - it's also obvious how he was an amazing researcher and an amazing science communicator.
Wonderful book on an interesting subject!

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent