Field Guide To The Ladybirds Of Great Britain And Ireland (field Guides)

A beautifully illustrated guide to all the ladybirds of Britain and Ireland. "A ground-breaking identification guide ... the perfect marriage of artistic excellence, deep knowledge and, dare I say it, of scientists' genuine affection." BRETT WESTWOOD This brand new illustrated field guide covers all 47 species of ladybird occurring in the British Isles in a handy and easy-to-use format. Twenty-seven species are colorful and conspicuous and easily recognized as ladybirds; the remaining species are more challenging, but the clear illustrations and up-to-date text in this guide will help to break down the identification barriers. A useful introduction provides an overview of ladybird ecology, tips on studying and recording, and suggested sites for finding ladybirds. The main part of the book comprises detailed species texts, covering field characters, food, habitats, suggested survey methods, ranges, conservation statuses and distribution trends. An illustrated at-a-glance identification guide and helpful pointers for differentiating similar-looking species are also included. With 102 color photographs and 47 distribution maps, combined with Richard Lewington's peerless artwork, this is the definitive guide to one of our most cherished and charismatic insect groups. Cover 1 Title 3 Copyright 4 Contents 5 Foreword 6 Acknowledgements 7 Introduction 8 Diversity of ladybirds 9 Characteristic features 13 Life history 16 Studying and recording ladybirds 30 Ladybird habitats 36 Regional guides 42 Using this field guide 56 At-a-glance guide 64 Conspicuous ladybirds 70 Heather Ladybird 70 Kidney-spot Ladybird 72 Pine Ladybird 74 Platynaspis luteorubra 76 Orange Ladybird 78 22-spot Ladybird 80 Water Ladybird 82 16-spot Ladybird 84 13-spot Ladybird 86 Adonis Ladybird 88 Larch Ladybird 90 2-spot Ladybird 92 10-spot Ladybird 95 Hieroglyphic Ladybird 98 Scarce 7-spot Ladybird 100 5-spot Ladybird 102 7-spot Ladybird 104 11-spot Ladybird 106 Harlequin Ladybird 108 Cream-streaked Ladybird 111 14-spot Ladybird 114 Eyed Ladybird 116 18-spot Ladybird 118 Cream-spot Ladybird 120 Striped Ladybird 122 Bryony Ladybird 124 24-spot Ladybird 126 Inconspicuous ladybirds 128 Coccidula rufa 128 Coccidula scutellata 129 Rhyzobius chrysomeloides 130 Rhyzobius litura 131 Rhyzobius lophanthae 132 Hyperaspis pseudopustulata 133 Clitostethus arcuatus 134 Nephus bisignatus 135 Nephus quadrimaculatus 136 Nephus redtenbacheri 137 Scymnus haemorrhoidalis 138 Scymnus limbatus 139 Scymnus auritus 140 Scymnus suturalis 141 Scymnus femoralis 142 Scymnus frontalis 143 Scymnus interruptus 144 Scymnus nigrinus 145 Scymnus schmidti 146 Stethorus pusillus 147 Similar species 148 Non-ladybirds 148 Ladybirds 149 Potential new species 154 Useful resources 156 Glossary 157 Plant names 159 Animal names 160 Photographic credits 161 Index 162 'A ground-breaking identification guide ... the perfect marriage of artistic excellence, deep knowledge and, dare I say it, of scientists' genuine affection.' - Brett Westwood This brand new illustrated field guide covers all 47 species of ladybird occurring in the British Isles in a handy and easy-to-use format. Twenty-seven species are colourful and conspicuous and easily recognised as ladybirds; the remaining species are more challenging, but the clear illustrations and up-to-date text in this guide will help to break down the identification barriers. A useful introduction provides an overview of ladybird ecology, tips on studying and recording, and suggested sites for finding ladybirds. The main part of the book comprises detailed species texts, covering field characters, food, habitats, suggested survey methods, ranges, conservation statuses and distribution trends. An illustrated at-a-glance identification guide and helpful pointers for differentiating similar-looking species are also included. With 102 colour photographs and 47 distribution maps, combined with Richard Lewington's peerless artwork, this is the definitive guide to one of our most cherished and charismatic insect groups.