Common Insects of Texas and Surrounding States

About this book

Thanks to its size and geographic position, Texas is home to nearly 30,000 species of insects, likely making its insect population the most diverse in the nation. Ranging from eastern and western to temperate and tropical species, this vast array of insects can be difficult to identify. In Common Insects of Texas and Surrounding States, John and Kendra Abbott have created the state's most comprehensive field guide to help readers recognize and understand these fascinating creatures.

Containing 1,300 species and more than 2,700 photographs, this guide offers a wealth of information about the characteristics and behaviours of Texas's insects. Each chapter introduces an order with a discussion of general natural history and a description of other qualities helpful in distinguishing its various species, while every species' entry provides a state map showing where it is most likely to be found, a key displaying its seasonal distribution, information about its habitat, and corresponding photos. Featuring coloured tabs for quick reference, a glossary, and information about other arthropods, Common Insects of Texas and Surrounding States is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to identify and learn more about the many insects of Texas.

Contents

Key to Color Groupings
Acknowledgments

Introduction
    Classification and Nomenclature
    What Is an Insect?
    Insect Diversity
    Insect Growth and Development
    Studying Insects
    Endangered Arthropods in Texas
    How to Use This Guide

Insects of Texas
    Springtails (Collembola)
    Two-pronged Bristletails (Diplura)
    Bristletails (Archaeognatha)
    Silverfish (Zygentoma)
    Mayflies (Ephemeroptera)
    Dragonflies & Damselflies (Odonata)
    Stoneflies (Plecoptera)
    Caddisflies (Trichoptera)
    Earwigs (Dermaptera)
    Webspinners (Embiidina)
    Angel Insects (Zoraptera)
    Barklice, Booklice, and True Lice (Psocodea)
    Thrips (Thysanoptera)
    Fleas (Siphonaptera)
    Twisted-winged Parasites (Strepsiptera)
    Grasshoppers, Katydids & Crickets (Orthoptera)
    Walkingsticks (Phasmida)
    Mantids (Mantodea)
    Cockroaches (Blattodea)
    Termites (Blattodea)
    True Bugs (Hemiptera)
    Lacewings, Antlions & Allies (Neuroptera)
    Alderflies, Dobsonflies & Fishflies (Megaloptera)
    Snakeflies (Raphidioptera)
    Scorpionflies & Hangingflies (Mecoptera)
    Beetles (Coleoptera)
    Flies (Diptera)
    Butterflies & Moths (Lepidoptera)
    Ants, Bees, Wasps & Sawflies (Hymenoptera)
    Other Arthropods (Arachnids, Crustaceans & Myriapods)

Additional Resources
Photographic Credits
Glossary
Index
About the Authors

Customer Reviews

Biography

John Abbott is Chief Curator and Director of Museum Research and Collections at the University of Alabama. Kendra Abbott is a research scientist in the Department of Biology at the University of Alabama.