The Reed Handbook of Common New Zealand Insects

This book contains the illustrations from the Mobil Series Common Insects I and II with new and updated information from Annette Walker. There are also additions to the text, namely the wasps that have become common sights in New Zealand. The book contains information on over 70 insects, and is divided in to three sections: Insects in the Field and Garden, Insects in the Bush and Insects in Fresh Water. The introduction includes information on introduced and endemic pests, what insects eat, collecting insects, insects and the angler, as well as an extensive identification guide. The book is intended for the inquisitive observer of any age as a very general introduction to some of the common insects found in New Zealand - those that are likely to be noticed because of their conspicuous appearance, their bothersome behaviour or because they are pests. It has been estimated that there are at least 20,000 species of insects in New Zealand and probably 90 percent of them are found nowhere else (i.e., they are endemic to New Zealand. This gives New Zealand a very special status and our unique insect fauna is renowned throughout the world.