Book Description

First edition, 1994. The book has the bookplate of Eric Hosking to the front pastedown (bird photographer and photographic editor of the New Naturalist library 1943 - 91). The bookplate was posthumously imposed by David Hosking, son and professional collaborator of Eric Hosking. Hardback. 367pp. Unclipped dust jacket in a protective sleeve. despite their popularity very little information had been published about ladybirds prior to this book by Michael Majerus which redressed the balance. The book discusses the structure of ladybirds, their life histories, food, enemies, habitats, distributions, colours and patterns, genetics and evolution. He sheds light on the phenomenon of cannibalism in ladybirds and the then recent discovery of a ‘feminist’ bacterium that kills eggs destined to produce males but not those destined to produce females. Finally, there is a discussion on the use and potential use of ladybirds a biological control agents, how they are under threat from humans and what we can do to conserve them. A definitive work on the natural history of these delightful beetles.
Author Majerus, Michael E.
Date 1994
Binding Hardback
Publisher Collins
Illustrator Jacket design by Robert Gillmor
Condition Book in fine condition. Dust jacket near fine and unclipped. Minor creasing to lower edge of rear and a tiny closed tear at foot of spine. Just a little colour fade to spine, as usual, mainly affecting the red of the ladybirds.
Pages 367pp

Price: £500.00

Offered by Ariadne Books

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