Featured Authors
Stephen A. Marshall
Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph
500 Insects A Visual Reference
Firefly Books
Stephen Marshall has selected 500 of the most interesting insects from his travels to North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Beautiful photographs show the insects in their natural habitats, and informative "factfiles" provide further details about the lives of these fascinating creatures. Some of the insects are new species, photographed here for the first time.
In addition to the entries for each of the species, there is an introduction on insect biology, classification and distribution, along with information on collecting and photographing insects.
Insects A to Z
Firefly Books
Insects A to Z uses an accessible and successful format to describe 26 insects. Each page features two full-color photographs of the insect and one or two descriptive paragraphs. There are also the Latin and common names of the order, family, genus and species, as well as information on geographic distribution. Fact boxes for each entry provide at-a-glance information detailing each insect's scientific name, diet, average size and the location at which each was photographed.
The book has a varied audience: middle school students exploring topic ideas, younger students interested in wildlife and advanced early readers who still enjoy picture books. Accurate and up-to-date information and an informal presentation make Insects A to Z an engaging view into the world of insects.
Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity
With a Photographic Guide to Insects of Eastern North America
Firefly Books
Meticulously researched and illustrated with color photographs, Insects is a landmark reference book that is ideal for any naturalist or entomologist. To enhance exact identification of insects, the photographs in this encyclopedic reference were taken in the field -- and are not pinned specimens.
Insects enables readers to identify most insects quickly and accurately. The more than 50 pages of picture keys lead to the appropriate chapter and specific photos to confirm identification. The keys are surprisingly comprehensive and easy for non-specialists to use.
Robert Footit
Research Scientist, Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids, and Nematodes, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (ECORC)
Insect Biodiversity: Science and Society
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing
Insect Biodiversity: Science and Society brings together leading scientific experts to assess the impact insects have on humankind and the earth’s fragile ecosystems. It examines why insect biodiversity matters and how the rapid evolution of insect species is affecting us all.
Insects and related arthropods make up more than 50 percent of the known animal diversity globally, yet a lack of knowledge about insects is hindering the advance of science and society. This book explores the wide variety in type and number of insect species and their evolutionary relationships. Case studies offer assessments on how insect biodiversity can help meet the needs of a rapidly expanding human population, and also examine the consequences that an increased loss of insect species will have on the world.
The book concludes that a better understanding of the biology and ecology of insects is the only way to sustainably manage ecosystems in an ever changing global environment.
Chris Earley
Interpretive Biologist & Education Coordinator, University of Guelph Arboretum
Birds A to Z
Firefly Books
A beautifully illustrated dictionary of 26 birds.
Birds A to Z uses an accessible and successful format to describe a selection of 26 birds. Each page features two full-color photographs of the bird, one or two descriptive paragraphs and a fact box that provides at-a-glance details on each entry's Latin name, diet, range, length, weight, wingspan and nest location.
Hawks and Owls of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America
Firefly Books
Hawks and Owls depicts both the subtle differences and rich diversity among these awe-inspiring birds. With crisp, clean photographs and precise identification notes, this guide makes quick and accurate classifications easier.
The information on each species is concisely organized and includes the differences between male and female, seasonal and immature plumage, morphs and distinctive markings. Color pictures and range maps accompany the text. The 180 photographs from award-winning photographers show these birds in their natural environments through the seasons. Comparison pages group similar-looking birds on a single page for quick reference.
Sparrows and Finches of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America
Firefly Books
Sparrows and Finches focuses only on these two families within a defined geographical location: the Great Lakes and eastern North America. As result, it offers comprehensive coverage in a small, convenient format.
The book is heavily illustrated with 220 full-color photographs taken by award-winning photographers that show these birds in their natural habitats. Comparison pages group similar-looking birds on a single spread for quick reference.
Waterfowl of Eastern North America
Firefly Books
Waterfowl of Eastern North America is a richly illustrated pocket-sized field guide for birders and naturalists. Full-color photographs show these birds in their natural habitats in each season.
Comparison pages group similar-looking birds on a single spread for quick reference. Concise and accurate information on each species includes:
The detailed information on each species is concisely organized and includes the differences between male and female, seasonal and immature plumage, morphs and distinctive markings.
Warblers of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America
Firefly Books
Warblers is a handy reference for watching these fast-moving and elusive birds. It explains why warblers are difficult to spot and what you can do to see more of them. It accurately identifies 42 species found in the Great Lakes region and eastern North America. By focusing on this one family within a defined geographical area, the book's format is compact yet packed with information.
Photographing these highly spirited birds is never easy. Birders will appreciate the crisp, clean images of the warblers in their natural environment. Comparison pages group similar-looking birds on a single spread for quick reference. Each species is presented in accurate, full color to ensure precise identification. Species are presented in taxonomic order to show how one relates to the next.
Arboretum BookletsEver wonder who is visiting your feeder or what that dragonfly might be called? How about identifying that pretty flower in the woods or who left those tracks? To increase awareness of local wildlife, The Arboretum has put together four booklets to help you and your family connect with nature. Spring Woodland Wildflowers of The Arboretum features the showy forest flowers of May. Mammals of the Arboretum not only shows what furry animals might be in your neighbourhood, but what tracks they leave. Feeder Birds of the Arboretum covers winter birds that you might find in your backyard. Dragonflies of The Arboretum shows the diversity of these mosquito eaters. Learn how to identify dragonflies with fun names such as meadowhawk, snaketail, amberwing, dasher and emerald.
Spring Woodland Wildflowers - 28 pages - 88 colour photographs - 42 wildflower
Mammals of The Arboretum - 32 pages - 77 colour photographs - 27 mammal - track identification
Feeder Birds of The Arboretum - 24 pages - 95 colour photographs - 53 bird species - food preferences
Dragonflies of The Arboretum - 36 pages - 128 colour photos - 36 dragonfly species - comparison pages
