by Roger D. Hawkins
Ladybirds are some of our favourite insects and of the forty-two species currently known to breed in the UK, forty-one have been found in Surrey. The book is designed to cater for all levels of knowledge and interest, and while it contains a great deal of detailed scientific information it remains highly readable and presents a fascinating insight into the world of this most accessible and colourful group of insects. While the early chapters of the book cover issues such as life history, identification and conservation, the bulk of the book is made up of a series of detailed species accounts which include a wealth of information on the distinguishing features, distribution, host plants and habits of each member of the family Coccinellidae. In addition, a series of superb colour photographs enable the reader to easily identify each of the twenty-four larger species, many of their smaller more rarely seen cousins and over twenty of their distinctive larvae. Taken together, the book will be of as much interest and relevance to any reader across the UK as it is to a resident of Surrey. The author, Roger Hawkins, is a professional entomologist and has studied the ladybirds of Surrey for nearly a quarter of a century. He is a voluntary conservation worker and combines a passion for rambling with an interest in all aspects of natural history.
Hardback with 136 pages, 42 distribution maps and 96 colour photographs.
Published: 2000
ISBN: 0 9526065 5 0
Reviews:
'A highly readable, informative and well produced county guide, I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone... wherever they live.'
- Atropos
'The book is full of detail, written in an easy, readable style and liberally punctuate with personal anecdotes and observations.'
- BBC Wildlife
'Heartily recommended to anyone who like ladybirds and at £12.00, worth it for the photographs alone.'
- British Wildlife
'An excellent book and one that should appeal to both the specialist and the novice.'
- Entomologist's Gazette
'An excellent book, a mine of information, attractively produced and easy to read.'
- Antenna
* If you wish to purchase more than 4 Atlases then please call Catherine Bridge on 01483 795488 or email Catherine.Bridge@surreywt.org.uk