Book Review - The Lives of Beetles: A Natural History of Coleoptera - Princeton University Press

 

"The mind-boggling diversity of beetles is testament to their evolutionary success and, combined with their ubiquity, makes them the perfect ambassadors for environmental awareness. A keener appreciation of beetles strengthens our connection to the natural world, so it just makes good sense to get to know them better."

     And get to know them better, we do! Guided by the deft hand and encyclopedic knowledge of Arthur V. Evans we come to understand and appreciate beetles in all their dizzying diversity, and acknowledge their vital role in a healthy ecosystem. 

     Beetles are found throughout the world, in virtually every terrestrial environment, and some are specialized for acquatic life. They vary in size from minute organisms barely visible to the naked eye to giants with fearsome weaponry. Throughout history beetles have been at times revered, hated, kept as pets, used as jewelry, destroyed with messianic fervour, introduced as biological control agents - but seldom viewed with indifference.

     This book is packed with information, including the latest scientific knowledge, and as is standard in works of this type published by Princeton University Press, filled with high quality illustrations.

     One fifth of all the organisms on Earth are beetles, many still unkown to science. It behooves us to get to know them better and treat them with respect. They are the engines of ecosystem functionality and diversity; they hold great promise for science that benefits humans.

     The book follows a similar pattern to other recent works of this type, with chapters on Structure and Function, Evolution, Diversity and Distribution, Communication, Reproduction and Development, Feeding Habits, Beetles in Medicine, Science and Technology, Study and Conservation.

     Each section is jam-packed with information, concisely and precisely presented, accompanied by illustrations that serve to enhance the text. We are indeed fortunate to live at a time when superb works of this calibre are available to a wide audience at very modest cost. 

     Each chapter concludes with nine species, carefully selected to illuminate the information that has just been provided. A range map is included, a full colour, full page illustration, and black-and-white drawings to elucidate behavioural or anatomical characters.

     As is the case for every plant and animal on Earth humans are the primary drivers of extinction, and we appear to have no limits to our capacity to impair and destroy biodiversity. We continue to do so at our peril, yet we march inexorably along this path of destruction. Beetles are yet another "canary in the coal mine."

     The book concludes with suggestions for further reading, a fine glossary and a summary of the family classification of extant beetles.

     Be sure to place this book on your wish list for birthdays or other special occasions. You will consult it over and over again and be ever grateful to the person who gave it to you. And don't forget to ask your local library to add it to their collection.

The Lives of Beetles: A Natural History of Coleoptera - Princeton University Press

Arthur V. Evans

Hardcover - US$25.00 - ISBN: 9780691236513

288 pages - 7.5 x 9.5 inches (18.75 x 23.75 cm)

150+ colour illustrations 

Publication Date: 07 March, 2023