The Complete Field Guide to Stick and Leaf Insects of Australia

(Paperback)

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Description

Australia has a rich diversity of phasmids otherwise known as stick and leaf insects. Most of them are endemic, few have been studied and new species continue to be found. Stick insects are, by far, Australia's longest insects some of them reach up to 300 mm in body length, and more than 500 mm including outstretched legs. Many stick insects are very colourful, and some have quite elaborate, defensive behaviour. Increasingly they are being kept as 'pets'.

Reviews

"In short, many of these fascinating insects are very poorly known. Yet, the authors of this book suggest they may really not be rare....Phasmatid well-being is presumed because 'major parts of the country are well preserved.' The challenge remains to examine this presumption and, with the publication of this excellent guide, naturalists are now in a position to do so and to incorporate Phasmatodea firmly into conservation agendas in Australia."--T.R. New, Journal of Insect Conservation
..".the depth of information presented on all facets of stick insect ecology and conservation provide a benchmark for future monographs dealing with specific groups of fauna."--Scott Burnett, Wildlife Australia Magazine (01/01/2009)
"I found the entire book to be very interesting and helpful throughout...There are practical, well illustrated sections for even the most experienced phasmid hunter on anatomy, classification, collecting, photographing, rearing and studying these insects, as well as concise illustrated notes on each species. The authors' style of writing in this book is very engaging, encouraging, easily understood, humorous at times and very informative. Aimed at a wide audience, the scientific is balanced by the inclusion of the practical and helpful. Congratulations on an excellent publication - a worthy addition to any nature lover's library at a price that won't break the bank."-- (06/01/2009)
"The book is excellent as a quick species guide for novices or as a taxonomic key for professionals. It is equally useful to gardeners, amateur naturalists and students of entomology, and is a triumph for the authors after years of study."-- (07/01/2009)
"This nicely designed book represents a superb, complete, concise treatment of all 101 stick insects, and the three leaf insects, currently known from Australia. This book is written in a lively and very engaging style. There are excellent sections on collecting, preserving, photographing and rearing phasmids. The book could serve as a model for entomological field guides...."-- (01/01/2009)
"This photographic guide covers the 104 stick and leaf insects found in Australia. Each species account includes a color photograph of the species with text and color range map usually on the same page. Anyone with an interest in these insects will like this book."-- (09/01/2009)
"This Field Guide not only has excellent photos of each species in its habitat, but also photos of museum specimens to show more detail. And with the distribution maps and descriptions as well, you should be able to identify that strange beastie clinging to the rose bush or gum tree."-- (09/01/2009)
"Understanding this group just got a whole lot easier with the publication of this fine field guide, the first new compendium of Australian phasmids for almost two centuries. I recomment this book to anyone interested in these unusual beasts or as a useful library addition for anyone nosey about hidden things in the natural world."-- (06/01/2009)

Author Bio

Paul D. Brock is a world authority on stick and leaf insects, and is a Scientific Associate of the Natural History Museum in London. He is the author of several major reference books covering classification and breeding of these insects, and lives in Brockenhurst, UK. Jack W. Hasenpusch is Director of the Australian Insect Farm, which was set up to assist educational institutions, scientists and researchers. He has spent 25 years studying Australia's insect fauna and has several species named after him. He lives in Innisfail.