ARS | Publication request: Book review: Methods for catching beetles

Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Literature Review
Publication Acceptance Date: February 16, 2011
Publication Date: June 30, 2011
Citation: Hesler, L.S. 2011. Book review: Methods for catching beetles. Florida Entomologist. 94:376.

Technical Abstract: Beetles are the most speciose animal group and found in virtually all habitats on Earth. Methods for Catching Beetles is a comprehensive general sourcebook about where and how to collect members of this diverse group. The book makes a compelling case in its Introduction about the value of scientific collecting to taxonomy and conservation, and then goes on to provide a broad overview of collection methods in general and also presents tailored information on collecting specific families of beetles. It is particularly suited for those new at collecting beetles, but will also benefit veteran, field-oriented coleopterists who may be switching to study different families of beetles or to collect beetles in unfamiliar habitats. The book is intended to facilitate teaching of entomology, and it could realistically serve as a supplemental text in a taxonomic survey course, a collection methods course, or a special topics class on beetles. The relatively small size of the book makes it amenable to carrying in the field, but it best serves readers as a good desk reference for devising an effective collecting trip.