Richard Comont Libri

RSPB Ladybirds is packed with eye-catching, informative color photos and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist. Ladybirds focuses on the 26 species resident in the UK, from the common, but unusual Orange Ladybird, to the rarer--and aptly named--Scarce 7-spot Ladybird. Richard Comont considers the conservation challenges facing these iconic species, whose populations are now at risk thanks to the threat posed by one of their own, the invasive alien Harlequin Ladybird. The biology, lifestyle, natural history and cultural significance of this fascinating group of beetles is also examined.Brightly colored and patterned, ladybirds are among some of our most beloved and familiar invertebrates. Firmly established as the gardeners' friend, they are perhaps the only group of insects to be viewed entirely positively by the general public.The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives of our favorite animals with eye-catching color photos and informative expert text.

Bumblebees are some of our most familiar insects, and are among the few that are almost universally viewed as 'friendly' – their low buzzing is the quintessential sound of our gardens in the summertime. Spotlight Bumblebees considers all 24 UK bumblebee species, examining what made the group so successful and how circumstances have led to the survival of some species but the precipitous decline of the majority, highlighting the dangers we all face if populations continue to plummet. Separate chapters cover all aspects of bumblebees' biology and lifestyles, from spring queens emerging from dark overwintering chambers to establish their nests, to the drone swarms that herald the end of the bumblebee season. Bumblebees around the world are studied, including in the southern hemisphere where Europe's declining species can become harmful invaders. While the influence of bumblebees throughout our history and their place in our culture, from Shakespeare to Transformers, is also examined.