This is the first of two volumes, in a similar format to the British Red Data Books, that describe the distribution, habitat and conservation requirements of 1 043 species of beetle. This volume concentrates on 71 readily identifiable and popular families of terrestrial beetle, plus a table of status of water beetles. It begins a complete revision and expansion of the Coleoptera chapter in British Red Data Books: 2. Insects and extends coverage to include Nationally Notable Species.