Extraordinary Insects

With ecologist Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson as our intrepid guide, Extraordinary Insects is an enthusiastic, witty, and fascinating introduction to the world of insects and why we -- an the planet we inhabit -- could not survive without them. Insects comprise roughly half of the animal kingdom. They live everywhere -- deep inside caves, high in the Himalayas, inside computers, in Yellowstone‘s hot springs, and in the ears and nostrils of much larger creatures. There are insects that have ears on their knee, eyes on their penises, and tongues under their feet. Many people think life would be better without bugs. In fact, life would be impossible without them. Insects turn dead plants and animals into soil. They pollinate flowers, including crops that we depend on. They provide food for other animals and control pests that are harmful to humans. Life as we know it depends on these small creatures. But recent years have brought disturbing reports of extensive declines in insect numbers and diversity, which could have serious consequences for us and the planet.