Book Review - Common Bees of Eastern North America - Princeton Field Guides

 

     I think that bee identification is a bit of a mystery to most, even to those who are bold enough to attempt it! Here is a book that will be of great help in unravelling some of the clues that will enable you to at least narrow down the identification of the bee to the family level.

     Identification beyond that is usually very difficult, and sometimes impossible without capture and microscopic examination. Do not be daunted, however. High quality digital cameras and excellent close focus binoculars are making the task easier. A dedicated observer is able to quickly gain a credible level of proficiency.

     The introduction to the book states, "Though they are miniscule across a large landscape, bees are essential pollinators throughout a wide range of ecosystems - from the fields of opportunistic weeds we see in abandoned urban lots, to cultivated and tended botanic gardens, to the wildflowers that flourish in uninhabited and remote spaces."

     Clearly there is opportunity for everyone to develop a close acquaintance with bees. The key to setting out on a firm footing is to acquire an intimate knowledge of the bees that are familiar in your area. You will derive a great deal of satisfaction by learning to tell a honey bee from a bumble bee, a sweat bee from a mason bee, at a glance. Once you commit yourself to learning some basic features it is not difficult, and your sense of achievement will be reward enough.

     The book covers the anatomy of a bee in great detail, with wonderful full colour diagrams to elucidate the parts of the insect, labelled with the correct names. Of itself, the study of these illustration is a major step to expanding your knowledge and proficiency.

     All the families commonly found in the eastern regions of the continent are covered in substantial detail, with excellent range maps to illustrate their distribution. A first rate seven-page glossary is provided, and a substantial list of references for those wishing to embark on further study. 

     This book has been in my hands for less than a week and already I have expanded my knowledge of bees in many ways.

     I would end this review by giving a shout-out to Princeton for their commitment to covering bees, an insect so central to pollination, and so vital in the human food chain. Books already on my shelf, most published quite recently, are, Bumble Bees of North America, The Bee, The Lives of Bees, and The Solitary Bees. This represents a substantial contribution to the literature on bees, and all are high quality works.

     Here is another title to add to the wealth of information on these essential pollinators.

     I highly recommend this book. It may change your life in ways you never imagined possible.

Common Bees of North America - Princeton Field Guides

Authors: Olivia Messinger Carril and Joseph S. Wilson

US$27.95 - £22.00  ISBN: 9780691175492

288 pages - 125 coloured maps - 500 full colour illustrations

5.5 x 8.5 inches (13.75 x 21.25 cm)

Publish: USA 21 September 2021

               UK    3 August 2021