harry eales
Ancient Entomologist
I received a copy of this book by post early today and have spent several hours perusing it. It is aimed at those people who have an interest in, but perhaps little knowledge of these insects, who would like to learn more about them and how to identify them. In this respect it is a valuable addition to anyone's bookshelf.
All the British species of Bumblebee and Cuckoo Bumblebee are shown including the recently detected B.hypnorum. Species which are now regarded as extinct in Britain are not shown, this is an advantage, as it is possible to confuse some of these with extant species.
Each species has two pages devoted to it and includes photographs of males and females. (Worker specimens are female and in the great majority of cases have the Queens colouring). The flight periods of each species are indicated along with habitats that some species show a preference for. Distribution maps based on 100Km squares are shown for each species and where there are similar Bumblebee species with which any individual species may be confused, a list of these other 'possibles' is given.
This book of 106 pages is divided into several sections and deals with all aspects of Bumblebee life, sexing, species identification, flowers visited, and even Gardening for Bumblebees. For the first time photographs of the male genitalia (genital capsule) are included which are of much greater help than the line drawings of the same, which have appeared in other books on this subject.
At 4.5" x 7.5" it will easily fit into a jacket pocket. Whilst this book can only be classed as a Paperback, the outer cover appears quite tough and should stand several seasons being carried around outdoors in various weather conditions. At £11.49 including postage and packing, it is very good value for money, I would consider that it would be worthwhile buying two copies, one for carrying in the field and a second copy for your library shelf.
I possess copies of all the British Bumblebee books published in the last 125 years, but I must admit that this volume would have been of great help to me during my early years of Bumblebee identification, had it been available.
Currently, this is the only book available which covers all the British Species. Radio and Press publicity (a two page spread in The Independant) during the past few days, has resulted in some volume orders from the publisher by booksellers and there will no doubt be substantial orders from Public Libraries.
As this volume is a private publication, there has to be a limit to the numbers printed, with no guarantee of a second edition appearing. My advice is therefore, buy a copy whilst they are available, even if you only have a passing interest in this group.
Critisisms are very few and minor, sub species for example, are not covered, neither is colour variation, but then this is a book for the general naturalist rather than the specialist.
Copy's of this book may be available from your local bookshop or by ordering direct from www.ocelli.co.uk. This website will give you a brief taste of the contents of this book and ordering information.
Harry.
All the British species of Bumblebee and Cuckoo Bumblebee are shown including the recently detected B.hypnorum. Species which are now regarded as extinct in Britain are not shown, this is an advantage, as it is possible to confuse some of these with extant species.
Each species has two pages devoted to it and includes photographs of males and females. (Worker specimens are female and in the great majority of cases have the Queens colouring). The flight periods of each species are indicated along with habitats that some species show a preference for. Distribution maps based on 100Km squares are shown for each species and where there are similar Bumblebee species with which any individual species may be confused, a list of these other 'possibles' is given.
This book of 106 pages is divided into several sections and deals with all aspects of Bumblebee life, sexing, species identification, flowers visited, and even Gardening for Bumblebees. For the first time photographs of the male genitalia (genital capsule) are included which are of much greater help than the line drawings of the same, which have appeared in other books on this subject.
At 4.5" x 7.5" it will easily fit into a jacket pocket. Whilst this book can only be classed as a Paperback, the outer cover appears quite tough and should stand several seasons being carried around outdoors in various weather conditions. At £11.49 including postage and packing, it is very good value for money, I would consider that it would be worthwhile buying two copies, one for carrying in the field and a second copy for your library shelf.
I possess copies of all the British Bumblebee books published in the last 125 years, but I must admit that this volume would have been of great help to me during my early years of Bumblebee identification, had it been available.
Currently, this is the only book available which covers all the British Species. Radio and Press publicity (a two page spread in The Independant) during the past few days, has resulted in some volume orders from the publisher by booksellers and there will no doubt be substantial orders from Public Libraries.
As this volume is a private publication, there has to be a limit to the numbers printed, with no guarantee of a second edition appearing. My advice is therefore, buy a copy whilst they are available, even if you only have a passing interest in this group.
Critisisms are very few and minor, sub species for example, are not covered, neither is colour variation, but then this is a book for the general naturalist rather than the specialist.
Copy's of this book may be available from your local bookshop or by ordering direct from www.ocelli.co.uk. This website will give you a brief taste of the contents of this book and ordering information.
Harry.
