Among the insects, bugs form a distinct order - the Hemiptera - of over eighty thousand fascinating and hugely varied species, found worldwide in almost every conceivable habitat on land or in water. They represent nearly ten per cent of all known insect species and it is likely that at least as many remain to be discovered. Bugs range from familiar garden aphids to major pests whose collective activities can destroy a whole crop, from carnivores nearly the size of a human hand to minute herbivores. Some are decked in brilliant or glowing metallic colors, others are discreetly camouflaged. While a number of species yield valuable waxes and dyes that can be commercially harvested, certain of the blood-feeding bugs carry diseases that are responsible for a heavy human death toll every year. This latest volume in the internationally successful Of The World series is the first popular, informative account of the classification and biology of bugs. The collecting of bugs, their structure, diseases and enemies, defense, food and feeding, mating and egg-laying are discussed, as well as the often strange and little-known relationships between bugs and people. The author's clear and detailed text is enhanced by the many informative line illustrations, and the fascinating forms, amazing colors and remarkable behavior of bugs are captured by the superb photographic talents of Ken Preston-Mafham.

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