Life on Earth depends on the busy activities of insects, but global populations of these teeming creatures are currently under threat, with grave consequences for us all. Alien Worlds presents insects and other arthropods as you have never seen them before, explaining how they conquered the planet and why there are so many of them, and shedding light on the evolutionary marvels that enabled them to thrive. Blending glorious imagery with entertaining and informative science writing, this book takes you inside the hidden realm of insects and reveals why their fate carries profound implications for our own.
- Spectacular photos provide a rare, up-close look at the alien worlds of insects
- Sheds light on the origins and wondrous diversity of insects
- Discusses how insects first took to the air and colonised the far corners of our planet
- Explores the extraordinary sensory world of insects
- Explains the remarkable success of social insects, from termites and ants to bees and wasps
Steve Nicholls is an Emmy Award–winning producer and director of acclaimed wildlife documentaries such as Appalachia: The Endless Forest. A Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, he is the author of Flowers of the Field: A Secret History of Meadow, Moor and Wood and Paradise Found: Nature in America at the Time of Discovery.
"A sharp, pertinent exploration of the bugs that rule the Earth. . . . Among countless other interesting facts, readers will soak up vivid details of carnivorous plants and learn about insects’ ability to jump great distances or walk on water. They will also enjoy the generous selection of beautiful, occasionally gruesome photographs spread throughout the text."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Surprises abound, and gorgeous color photos provide intimate views of the species discussed. The result is an eye-popping tour of the weird and wild world of bugs."—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"An essential addition for academic libraries and natural sciences collections."—Steve Dixon, Library Journal
"One of the best reads I have undertaken in 2023, the author oozes knowledge and enthusiasm about all things insects."—Dr. Stephen Hoskins, The Biologist
"It will be welcomed on both coffee tables and laboratory bookshelves."—Edward Melillo, The Quarterly Review of Biology
"[An] easy-to-read, fascinating, beautifully illustrated landmark new book."—Marc Bekoff, Psychology Today
"Fabulous."—David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds
“An engrossing and fabulously illustrated celebration of the wonderfully weird world of the insects.”—Dave Goulson, author of Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse
“Steve Nicholls takes us on a captivating journey of discovery into the world of insects and other joint-legged animals. Profusely illustrated, this book is a treasure trove for the eyes as well as the mind.”—Stephen Buchmann, author of What a Bee Knows
