Book Review - Insects: Successful Models of Evolution, Fascinating and Threatened - Springer

 Every single species of the animal kingdom challenges all......the mysteries of life.

Karl Von Frisch

     This is a book for everyone, entomologist and layperson, alike. It teaches you what you don't know and builds on what you do. I remember very well the first time I looked into an optical microscope many years ago and how struck I was by the world revealed before my eyes, a world hitherto unknown and unobserved. Imagine now, the magic of scanning electron microscopy, and the wonder is magnified a thousand times. Minute details that you could never have imagined are presented on these pages and you are able to participate in the awe and splendour of life at its most intricate level. Best of all, the text explains and expands on what you are seeing; you learn with every word, you are fascinated with every image, and, yes, you despair too at our rampant disregard for these very cornerstones of successful life on Earth - and its continuance.

     

     Our stewards in all of this are two eminent and distinguished German scientists, Werner Gnatzy and Jürgen Tautz, both renowned not only for their command of cutting edge research, but for their unchallenged ability to communicate complex topics to a wide audience. This book is a classic example of their skill in presenting significant and important knowledge to the scientific community and beyond. In the long run, if humankind is to change its destructive ways, it is the electorate and not the elected who will make the difference. It is a well worn aphorism, but knowledge really is everything.

     There is no end to the fascination derived from these pages, often with a touch of wry humour. After all, who would not be drawn in by Flies, Aerial Acrobats and Their Daring Flying Gymnastics? Or How a Cricket Changes Clothes: Jumping Out of Its Skin in 20 minutes? Or even Conspicuously Inconspicuous? No one could possibly resist No More Wet Bikinis.

     These catchy titles enliven a serious text and lead the reader into a universe hitherto unknown,  opening up hidden secrets filled with wonder and delight. One is left with the impression that two distinguished scientists are still moved by the infectious enthusiasm of a child. None of the magic has been lost for them; if anything science in all its beauty has been amplified. Being able to share their findings with a wide audience is the icing on the cake.

    For many years I have travelled in Central and South America and two organisms hold special attraction for me. Atta Leafcutter Ants have provided countless hours of excitement and astonishment. I thought I knew them well, until I was exposed to the detail in this book! More than I ever thought possible was revealed. 

     Similarly, Blue Morpho Butterflies, those aerial will-o'-the wisps of sunny forest clearings fascinated and thrilled me - and still do. As recently as January this year I was enjoying their company in Costa Rica. My knowledge of these scintillating insects has grown exponentially, enabling me to appreciate them in ways I could never have imagined.

     Assuredly, there will be insects that have special meaning for you too. Learning more will be both a pleasure and a privilege.

     Sadly, the final section of the book is entitled Epilogue, Practically an Obituary. The opening words are, "Humans have been destroying the environment, our basis for life on planet Earth, for decades." We know it, we resent it, we beg for a change in attitude, we resolve to change our ways, yet still we continue to elect politicians around the world who are antithetical to any hope of salvation. I fear we are already lost, the tipping point has been passed, but you may be sure that when humans are extinct, as we surely will be, insects will still be roaming the Earth - and doing well.

     Thank you Dr. Gnatzy and Dr. Tautz for a very fine work. We are all in your debt.

Insects: Successful Models of Evolution, Threatened and Fascinating - Springer

Werner Gnatzy and Jürgen Tautz

Paperback - 236 pages ISBN: 9783662710289

Published: 2025