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Leaf beetles are one of the largest groups of beetles, with tens of thousands of species worldwide and around 280 in Britain. They belong mainly to the family Chrysomelidae, but also to two small closely related families, the Megalopodidae and Orsodacnidae. This book provides a comprehensive overview with detailed and accessible coverage of the natural history, ecology and biology of leaf beetles.
Topics cover the life history of leaf beetles, biology, their environment, natural enemies and interactions with humans. There is a thorough discussion about identification of British species, including detail on the juvenile stages (eggs, larvae, pupae) and a concise key to adults. A chapter is dedicated to study techniques and materials. The book is illustrated throughout with colour photographs and line drawings.
Leaf beetles is a vital resource for entomology students and educators, naturalists, nature conservationists, those involved in agriculture, horticulture and the management of stored produce.
The book itself is well written and Hubble succeeds in condensing down such a huge topic into a small handbook whilst still providing useful information that even an experienced Coleopterist isn’t beyond. Hopefully this book will provide a gateway for beginners looking to start recording beetles and will lead to an increase in the number of records received by the Chrysomelid recording scheme; new records will make a genuine contribution to our understanding of leaf beetles in Britain and will help to inform their conservation. I would recommend this handbook without hesitation and with a price tag of under £20, I’m glad I have it on my shelf.
— Jordan Rainey
Dave Hubble is a freelance ecologist. He is the organiser of the UK's Chrysomelidae Recording Scheme and recently wrote the AIDGAP key to UK species. He also teaches Environmental Science at the Open University. Dave's blog can be found at davehubbleecology.blogspot.co.uk
Editor's preface
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. Life history
3. Leaf beetles in their environment
4. Natural enemies of leaf beetles
5. Population
6. Identification of British species
7. Study techniques and materials
8. Useful addresses and links
References
Index