The Amazing World of Stick and Leaf Insects

From the preface:

When the AES first suggested that I write a second, more advanced book on phasmids for the ever increasing number of enthusiasts, I thought back several years to when I first started serious taxonomic studies on the fauna. My main objective is for this book to satisfy the needs of the serious student, in addition to interesting those enthusiasts who wish to broaden their knowledge of the fauna.

The main section of this book looks at typical, or spectacular, phasmids found in each of the zoogeographical regions; the first attempt to do this in any publication. Other subjects, such as fossil phasmids and essentials for taxonomic study, are also new areas.

Each section has been widely illustrated. The taxonomic problems with studying phasmids, should not put off anyone with a serious interest, who likes a challenge! There is little information on phasmid study readily available for the layman, except for that published in the literature, in various languages. Rather than list references at the end of this book, I have listed the most appropriate references in each section.

The past few years have seen considerable advances in our knowledge of phasmid fauna, in particular with detailed studies on major phasmid collections, a remarkably understudied area, and yet essential to make accurate studies on species. In view of its importance to the taxonomist, I have devoted a section on this book to museum collections, following a series of visits to evaluate most of the major collections.

A likely reason for a greater interest in the phasmid fauna since 1980 is the Phasmid Study Group. Founded in 1980 by Tony lames, with an emphasis on culture of species, its membership now exceeds 500 world-wide, ranging from young children to professional entomologists. Several of its members write important taxonomic papers for scientific journals It has also been a pleasure to write popular articles for publications such as those of the Amateur Entomologists' Society, who publish good quality colour plates to accompany selected articles. Publication in the popular press also encourages interest from the general public. It is my hope that enthusiasts will be able to learn more than the basics about phasmids from this book and, perhaps, pursue further studies. If this book kindles the interest of potential taxonomists or behaviourists, it will have done its job.

Author: Paul D Brock
Publisher: AES
Extra Details: Pictorial Hardback 6 x 9 inches tall.165 Pages.Lavishly illustrated with Colour photos and B&W and Colour artworks throughout.