Encounter some of the most beautiful creatures in Costa Rica in Piotr Naskrecki's Hidden Kingdom. This book is a visual journey into the world of the insects and their relatives that dominate all terrestrial habitats in Costa Rica through their sheer numbers, biomass, and the ecological functions they perform. Naskrecki's stunning photographs serve as both a tool to help identify the insects that a visitor to Costa Rica is likely to encounter, and as an illustration of their diverse behaviors and ecological roles.
Through high-impact imagery and engaging narrative about insects and their evolutionary history, Hidden Kingdom, an ideal companion on a visit to Costa Rica, reinforces or awakens in the readers their innate curiosity about the less appreciated elements of life on Earth. Each section of the book presents fascinating and useful facts about Costa Rica's insects. Naskrecki's photographs show the variety of morphological adaptations, survival strategies, and interlocking roles that insects play in tropical ecosystems.
Foreword by Edward O. Wilson
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. What is This?
2. Is It Dangerous?
3. Horns, Spines, and Claws
4. Masters of Deception
5. Warning Signs
6. Sounds of the Forest
7. Living Together
8. Moths and Butterflies
Photo Credits
Index
About the Author
"Piotr Naskrecki is a master at portraying miniature worlds. He combines two skills that are rarely found in one person: as a conservation biologist, he can speak with conviction; as a photographer, he makes them come alive with astonishing close-ups."
– Frans Lanting, photographer on The Smaller Majority
"I continue to be astounded not only by Piotr's knowledge, but his passion and teaching skills. Over the years, he's given me new perspectives on the insect world more times than I can count. And now comes a masterwork. And the best part is, it's written in a conversational tone that's accessible to people of all ages. This book is a pure pleasure, as well as a great education."
– Joel Sartore, Founder, National Geographic Photo Ark