"There is no better guide to the world of insects than Berenbaum, whose writing is as readable as a good
novel and who has a quirky sense of humor all her own."
--Science
"A tremendously good read, packed with information that will appeal equally to biologists and laypersons,
students and teachers.� Newcomers will be fascinated and intrigued. For old hands at the game, this kind of book
reminds us why we took up entomology in the first place and still find the subject so engrossing."
--Scientific American
Submitted By Publisher, December, 2002
Summary
The vast majority of people consider it a high priority to minimize the extent of their interaction with the
insect world. Homes are sealed, sprayed, and kept meticulously clean so as to reduce the probability that they
will be invaded by insects; similarly, bodies are bathed, hair is shampooed, and clothing regularly washed in order
to eliminate any unwanted contact with six-legged life forms. In the overwhelmingly vast majority of daily conversations,
insects are conspicuous in their absence; those rare conversations in which insects feature prominently are generally
carried out in guarded tones, often with a touch of embarrassment.
Table of Contents
Classification and Nomenclature ("A Rose-chafer by Any Other Name...")