United States
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Hoverflies of Britain and Ireland is a beautifully illustrated photographic field guide to this increasingly popular group of insects, focusing on the species that can be most readily identified. It is the perfect companion for wildlife enthusiasts, professional ecologists and anyone with an interest in this fascinating group of insects, and is designed to appeal to beginners and experts alike. This updated third edition covers 13 additional species and offers a host of improvements to aid reliable identification.
Accessible, authoritative and easy-to-use, this book features an essential guide to hoverfly tribes and presents hundreds of remarkable photographs of hoverflies in their various life stages, including images of at least one representative from each of the British and Irish genera. The species included are mainly those that can be identified by eye or using a magnifying glass. Individual species accounts highlight key identification features, provide information on behaviour and habitat requirements, status, population trend and flight-period, and include an up-to-date distribution map covering Britain and Ireland. Sections on hoverfly biology, where and when to find hoverflies, legislation and conservation, recording, putting data to good use and gardening for hoverflies are also included.
- Features 1,048 stunning photographs, 400 more than in the previous edition.
- Provides detailed information on 177 species, including at least one from each of the 69 genera recorded.
- Updated taxonomy, nomenclature and information on status and population trends.
- Includes a complete list of the 285 species recorded to date, with an indication of how difficult each is to identify in the field and from photographs.
Stuart Ball and Roger Morris have together managed the Hoverfly Recording Scheme since 1991. They are authors of several atlases of British hoverflies and the most recent Status Review. As active members of the Dipterists Forum, they have run many identification training courses across Britain. Both previously worked for the statutory nature conservation agencies: Stuart Ball for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, and Roger Morris for English Nature/Natural England before leaving to become an independent consultant. Both are now happily retired.
"With an established reputation for their accessibility, ease of use and authoritative text, the WILDGuides have become the benchmark for photographic field guides. That a new edition of Britain’s Hoverflies has appeared less than two years after its original publication underlines both the success of the book and the fast-moving nature of hoverfly taxonomy.
With an extra 16 pages, the new edition sees the book fully revised and updated, the most fundamental change being the addition of a simple guide to the most commonly photographed hoverfly species. Other changes reflect recent taxonomic updates; for example, we see the genus Arctophila, which includes large species mimicking bumblebees, moved to become part of the genus Sericomyia. Two species new to the British list get a mention for the first time, though not full accounts; it is worth noting that the book was never intended to cover every species found in Britain, just those likely to be encountered. This approach delivers a book that remains readily accessible, covering 167 out of the 283 species, and which does not deter those beginners developing their interest in hoverfly identification and recording.
The species accounts are succinct but informative, providing sections on identification, observation tips and similar species, and each is supported by photographs that illustrate both the flies and the key features that enable identification. These features are highlighted by comments, enabling you to pick out the important features at a glance. This is a very good book and the best of what is proving to be an excellent series of field guides."
– Mike Toms, BTO book reviews
Praise for the previous edition:
"Covering those species most likely to be seen means as an introduction this book will be a great starting point, the photographs are great at helping you achieve your identification goals and the short descriptive accompanying text will help even more if you need to compare other species."
– Ashley Boelens, Fat photographer
"[W]onderfully informative [...] [T]he book is billed on the front cover as An introduction to the Hoverflies of Britain. But it's rather better than a simple introduction – in fact it is quite complete, covering each of the 70 genera to occur in Britain and 165 of the commoner species that one is likely to find within our shores, giving the prospective reader more than enough material to go at and thus proving quite brilliant for the mere mortals of hoverfly identification such as me [...] This particular group of insects has been crying out for a modern and comprehensive field guide of high quality for years, and finally it is here. Go and buy it – it's essential!"
– Josh Jones, BirdGuides
"One of the best field guides to any taxonomic group."
– Chris Sharpe, Curious Naturalist
"The latest field guild from the excellent Wildguides [...] Beautifully and clearly laid out."
– Charlie Moores, Talking Naturally
"This is an excellent introduction to this attractive group of insects and should inspire many of its readers to investigate them further."
– N.P. Wyatt, Entomologist's Monthly Magazine
"I have found these Wild Guides invaluable for ID-ing my insects [...] This is an ideal gift for anyone who loves their wildlife, they will appreciate the stunning photos in this super detailed field guide."
– Gadget Girl Reviews
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