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Insects are often overlooked because they are small or ignored because they are deemed trivial, and many are dismissed as nuisance pests. But their numbers and diversity are mind-numbing, and under even a modest hand lens they are beautiful or bizarre.
Insects dominate the centre ground of all terrestrial and most aquatic ecosystems. They inform us of the conservation value of ancient woodland and chalk downland. They help monitor the purity or pollution levels of ponds, streams and rivers. And they can demonstrate the effects of climate change, acting as warning lights to alert us to the damage that humans are doing to the world. Recent insectageddon headlines are starting to make people sit up and take more notice.
What better way to promote an interest in these fascinating creatures than by poetizing them? This cornucopia of discordant nonsense, with some quite frankly dubious rhyming clashes, is offered up so that entomological outreach will at least benefit from their shock value.
Preface
107 species limericks – from Wasp to Assassin Bug.
Index
Richard Jones is an entomologist and writer – he has a way with worms. And before some bright pedant chips in, there are plenty of quite legitimate insect worms: glow-worm, wood-worm, meal-worm, horn-worm, wire-worm, silk-worm, inch-worm.
Calvin Ure-Jones has been on face-to-face and hand-to-bug terms with natural history all his young life, so when it came to drawing picture of insects he was raring to go.
"This delightful collection of groan-worthy limericks, stylish line drawings and informative vignettes from the wonderfully strange word of insects is guaranteed to make you smile."
– Professor Dave Goulson, author of A Sting in the Tale, Bee Quest, A Buzz in the Meadow, and The Garden Jungle
"This book beautifully demonstrates the diversity of life-history, form and charm of the insect world. Through rhyme and factual essays, and illustrated with charming line drawings, this book is an addictive and jolly read for anyone with an intrigue for the little creatures that run the world!"
– Beulah Garner, Senior Curator Carabidae, Natural History Museum
"I loved this book of insect limericks and fascinating facts! Entertaining and educational in equal measure, and a joy to read."
– Jeff Ollerton, author of Pollinators & Pollination: Nature and Society
"A little bit of entomological fun from the well-known naturalist Richard Jones."
– Dr George McGavin, entomologist, author and broadcaster
