Book Review - Bees of the World: A Guide to Every Family - Princeton University Press

 

     Who better to author a book on the bees of the world than Laurence Packer, distinguished melittologist and research professor at York University in Toronto?

     He has produced a first class work covering every family, some with cosmopolitan distribution, others with highly restricted geographic ranges. The taxonomy of bees is in a constant state of flux as new techniques are devised to tease out differences between species, particularly in the area of molecular sequencing. At times, previously accepted "truths" are shown to have been anything but. Even with advances in technology, put three taxonomists together in a room and you will probably get four verdicts!

     The book is organized in the now familiar format used by Princeton University Press (see, for example, Spiders of the World (2020), a format that has been very successful, and presents information with great clarity, illustrated by a plethora of high quality images.  Internet platforms such as iNaturalist have enabled authors to gain access to photographs of rare species, an opportunity hitherto impossible. Most, if not all, citizen scientists are willing - honoured even - to have their pictures included in a work such as this.

     An informative Introduction sets the stage for a detailed examination of bees, beginning with the most important question of all, "What are bees?".  The evolutionary biologist knows that bees are descended from wasps, and from that beginning a stunning array of species has developed. All bees do not resemble the familiar honey bee or bumble bee and most are not social. There is a terrific section on bee anatomy with very helpful black-and-white and coloured illustrations. We are introduced to key terminology. 

     There follows a discussion of bee classification, followed by important information on bee nesting biology. A section covers the bee life cycle and their enemies.

     Finally - and perhaps most important - we are challenged to consider how we may help bees. Anthropogenic activity has led to the decline of so many species, and our more enlightened actions can be the key to their recovery, if only we have the will and the commitment to do it. Sometimes funding is required and it is essential that we elect political leaders sympathetic to environmental remediation, ready to do what is needed.

     One hundred-and-four of the 500+ genera of bees are presented in detail, covering representatives of all the bee families of the world. In a remarkably concise summary nothing is left out. One is introduced to each family with vital facts. Each genus receives a succinct treatment and the text is accompanied by a range map and at least one coloured photograph.

     At the end of the book there is a very useful glossary and suggestions for further reading. As befits a book published in 2023 links to relevant internet sites are provided.

     This is a fine book, stacked with information, and it should be on the shelf of everyone who cherishes the natural world and its captivating diversity. I know I will be recommending it to all my friends.

Bees of the World: A Guide to Every Family - Princeton University Press

Laurence Packer

Hardcover - US$29.95 - ISBN: 9780691226620

240 pages - 6.75 x 9.56 inches (16.875 x 23.9 cm)

217 colour and 10 black-and-white illustrations - 106 maps

Publication Date: 14 February, 2023