This is the first book on this fascinating and important group of insects in Wiltshire. It lists 1839 species with information on locations, dates and names of recorders. The colour illustrations include 125 rare and notable species as well as many that are well known in the county.
Introductory sections cover the history of beetle collecting from a cleric in the early 19th century to modern day professional entomologists, and include the pioneering work carried out at Marlborough and Dauntsey's schools. Major sites are listed and information provided about changes in the fauna. An important section covers the use of beetles in the assessment of woodland and grassland sites.
Dr Michael Darby has been the County Beetle Recorder for 16 years. He is a Council member of the British Entomological and Natural History Society and was formerly on the Council of the Royal Entomological Society. He has published many articles on beetles, and is currently Natural History Editor of Wiltshire Studies.