By David H. Kattes
224 pp. 486 color photos. 11 tables.
This practical, non-technical introduction to insect classification offers a well-illustrated, straight-forward primer in entomology. Whether you are part of a master naturalist program, are interested in environmentally friendly pest management, or simply enjoy knowing what to call that strange-looking bug on your back porch, Insects of Texas will be your first resource for insect classification and identification.
This book will help you sort out many of the millions of insect species by learning the readily distinguishable field characteristics needed to identify groups most commonly seen in Texas. David H. Kattes provides short tutorials on morphology and metamorphosis and uses a simple color-coding scheme to present the five classes of arthropods and the orders, suborders, and families of insects most relevant to Texas observers. Photo keys, pronunciation guides, illustrated tables, abundant photographs, and highlighted accounts of physical and biological characteristics help introduce readers to the various tiny creatures that inhabit our world, steering them through arachnids, crustaceans, millipedes, centipedes, and hexapods. Within each account, Kattes comments on habits and other interesting information, reflecting his long experience in teaching and speaking to a variety of receptive audiences.
DAVID H. KATTES is a professor of agronomy and horticulture at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, where he specializes in entomology and integrated pest management.
"The outstanding features of the book are the pictures and how well organized it is and easy to find what you are referencing."—Tina Marie (Waliczek) Cade, associate professor of horticulture, Texas State University "This book would be quite useful to a number of amateur entomologists, master gardeners, master naturalists, and others simply interested in identifying insects to family or order level." --Thomas W. Fuchs, professor of entomology, Texas A&amp;M University, and statewide integrated pest management coordinator at Texas A&amp;M University AgriLife Research and Extension Center in San Angelo, Texas
"Using this attractive book is like having a teacher. The logical presentation, the pronunciation guides and glossary, and the beautiful photographs pique one's interest and guide one's reaction to each insect. High recommended." -- Frances M. Ramsey, Review of Texas Books