Field Guide to Grasshoppers, Katydids and Crickets of the United States

About this book

Field Guide to Grasshoppers, Katydids, and Crickets of the United States introduces readers to the biology, behaviour, and ecological significance of one of the most obvious (abundant, large, and colourful) and important (ecologically and economically significant) insect groups in North America, the order Orthoptera. A simple, illustrated identification guide assists the reader in distinguishing among the various groups and narrows down the options to expedite identification. The book treats more than a third of the species found in the United States and Canada in brief, easy-to-understand sections that provide information on distribution, identification, ecology, and similar species. Distribution maps accompany each profile, and 206 species are pictured in colour. Black-and-white drawings highlight distinguishing characteristics of some of the more difficult-to-identify species. Sonograms provide a graphic representation of the insects' distinctive sounds.

This is the first treatment of North American grasshoppers, katydids, and crickets to portray the insects in full colour, and it will be the first time many amateur naturalists and students have the opportunity to see the amazing and colourful world of Orthoptera, because many are cryptically coloured (their bright colours evident only in flight) or cryptic in behaviour (nocturnal in their habits). John L. Capinera, Ralph D. Scott, and Thomas J. Walker designed their book for amateur naturalists who wish to know the local fauna, for students who seek to identify insects as part of entomology and natural history courses, and for professional biologists who need to identify invertebrates. This invaluable field guide will be a useful supplement for laboratory and field activities and a reference for classrooms at every level.

John L. Capinera is Professor and Chairman of the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. His many publications include Grasshoppers of Florida and Handbook of Vegetable Pests. Ralph D. Scott, who resides in Billings, Montana, is a professional scientific illustrator and biologist. He most recently illustrated Heralds of Spring in Texas. Thomas J. Walker is Professor Emeritus in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida.

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