
Bugwatching
The Art, Joy, and Importance of Observing Insects
Eric R. Eaton(Author)
Princeton University Press
Published on 22. July 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-0-691-26400-4 (ISBN)
Description
Discover the pleasures of watching insects with this fun, informative, and marvelously illustrated how-to guide
Insects are the most abundant wildlife on the planet-but also the least observed. This incisive field companion highlights the basic tools for watching insects with all of our senses, covers some best habitats and circumstances for seeing the most diversity, and shares tips for attracting desirable insects to your yard and garden. With wonderful illustrations by Samantha Gallagher, Bugwatching explains why this rewarding activity is for everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity, level of affluence, ability, or disability. When you become a bugwatcher, you join a community of supportive and energetic people. The potential for personal and scientific discovery is virtually limitless.
Enables you to better appreciate and understand insects and improve your success rate in finding, watching, and identifying them
Includes a comprehensive treatment of insect behaviors that is invaluable for beginners
Discusses social bugwatching and participation in community science projects
Covers advanced topics such as rearing insects and using keys to identify them
Explains how watching insects can fill gaps in our knowledge about their economic impacts and the growing decline in insect diversity and abundance
Promotes safety, accessibility, and inclusion as vital aspects of watching insects
An essential guide for seasoned bugwatchers and newcomers to the community
Insects are the most abundant wildlife on the planet-but also the least observed. This incisive field companion highlights the basic tools for watching insects with all of our senses, covers some best habitats and circumstances for seeing the most diversity, and shares tips for attracting desirable insects to your yard and garden. With wonderful illustrations by Samantha Gallagher, Bugwatching explains why this rewarding activity is for everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity, level of affluence, ability, or disability. When you become a bugwatcher, you join a community of supportive and energetic people. The potential for personal and scientific discovery is virtually limitless.
Enables you to better appreciate and understand insects and improve your success rate in finding, watching, and identifying them
Includes a comprehensive treatment of insect behaviors that is invaluable for beginners
Discusses social bugwatching and participation in community science projects
Covers advanced topics such as rearing insects and using keys to identify them
Explains how watching insects can fill gaps in our knowledge about their economic impacts and the growing decline in insect diversity and abundance
Promotes safety, accessibility, and inclusion as vital aspects of watching insects
An essential guide for seasoned bugwatchers and newcomers to the community
Reviews / Votes
"An excellent resource for educators such as school teachers, parents, grandparents and everyone open to learning more about the threats to all life if insects are lost from our planet."---Ann Chilcott, The BeeListener "If you're human, you should read [this book]. . . . [Eric Eaton] shows us how we can learn more about our ubiquitous companions, and why we should. Best of all, he shares specific instructions on how to find, watch, and identify insects just about anywhere you happen to be."---Rusty Burlew, American Bee JournalMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
New Jersey
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
100+ color photos + 40 color illus.
Dimensions
Height: 213 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
340 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-691-26400-4 (9780691264004)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
04/2025
1st Edition
Princeton University Press
€22.49
Available for download
Persons
Eric R. Eaton is a naturalist and writer whose books include Insectpedia: A Brief Compendium of Insect Lore and Wasps: The Astonishing Diversity of a Misunderstood Insect (both Princeton). He runs the blogs Bug Eric and Sense of Misplaced. Samantha Gallagher is an artist and illustrator who specializes in insects.