Over 2000 of the most commonly observed and most distinctive insect species of Britain and western Europe, from all orders and most families, are illustrated in Insects of Britain and Western Europe, making it an essential pocket guide. The text summarises key identification points, and introductory sections for each group give useful guidelines on the characteristics of the orders, families and genera covered. Insects of Britain and Western Europe is the most comprehensive guide available on the insects of this region and will be of great use to all naturalists with an interest in insect life.
For the second edition the text has been extensively revised, and both factual and taxonomic information has been updated. Furthermore, illustrations have been revised, and four new invasive alien species have been added.
Michael Chinery is the UK's leading writer on insects.
"'The amount of information in this book is remarkable. The illustrations are of the highest standard. In short, an extraordinarily fine work."
– Sir Richard Southwood, late Professor of Zoology, Oxford University
"I cannot imagine even a professional who would not want to have this book close at hand. The illustrations are magnificent."
– Times Literary Supplement
"Thoroughly recommended."
– The Entomologist's Record
"Beautifully and profusely illustrated."
– The Naturalist
"With this book in hand, the smallest garden becomes a naturalist's Mecca."
– Country Living
"An invaluable guide [...] marvellous"
– The Guardian