Australian Snakes a Natural History

Book Description

Drawing on years of experience and an impressive grasp of the literature, Richard Shine covers the day-to-day lives of snakes, discussing their anatomy, evolution, and habitat, and describing their behavior, sex habits, life history, and diet.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent detailed introduction to snakes of Australia.......2002-12-17

Mr. Shine has written an excellent natural history of Australian snakes that will be appreciated and enjoyed by those who are knowledgeable of this aspect of Australian fauna as well as by those who experience this volume as a first introduction to this subject. In fact, it is an excellent introduction to snakes, in general, except for its omission of the viper family(i.e., rattlesnakes, copperheads, etc.) which are not found in Australia. This large, softcover volume contains beautiful photographs illustrating just about all the snake species.For those who have never been exposed to the subject, it will spark an interest which will lead to further study.

excellent.......2000-04-06

This book is a must for anybody interested in Australian snakes. It covers in detail the feeding habits, sex lives, habitats and natures of all sorts of snakes. It is also full of all kinds of useful information and facts, and covers evolutionary adaptaions from a very logical and scientific view point. It contains many spectacular photographs and fascinating anecdotes which make it a very enjoyable book to read. Useful for anyone with a budding interest through to those with a full blown passion. This book is much more than just a field guide and I strongly recommend it.

snakes alive.......2000-01-16

As a recent recreational licenced holder for reptiles this book gave the information in detail on every aspect regarding Australian snakes.It has a fresh, relevant approach to understanding our native reptiles. I found it very easy reading. It will be a wonderful reference guide and Im sure will be used regulary not only by myself but the whole family. It kept the interest of this household from a five year old to mid 40's, including changing the attutude of my wife who always had a fear of snakes. She read the book.The book starts with the Anatomy of snakes through to their habitat, behaviour, eating ,breeding and relationship both past and present with humans. Each page contains beautiful photographs on equal standing with any other publication.Sensational. Good enough to purchase two books. One for constant use, another to keep on the shelf. From a subject that is difficult to find much written about in this detail (Australian Snakes), this book covers most information without adding in other countries that for Australian purposes would not be of much use.

Sea Snakes (Australian Natural History Series)

Average customer rating:

Everything is here
Comprehensive read on bizzare creatures

Sea Snakes (Australian Natural History Series)
Harold Heatwole
Manufacturer: New South Wales Univ Pr Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The sea is a habitat alien to most reptiles, and the adaptation of sea snakes to a marine existence is a fascinating chapter in biology. Sea Snakes describes the varieties and distributions of sea snakes, how they go about their daily lives underwater, what they eat and what eats them, and how they reproduce and grow. It also discusses how sea snakes cope with excess salt and scarcity of freshwater, and how they adjust to diving at depth and enduring long periods without breathing. The nature of their venom and how it functions in subduing large, active prey is also explained. Sea snakes interact with humans both in beneficial and in harmful ways. Harold Heatwole explains these and also discusses how we can best share the world with these beautiful and marvelous creatures. The book contains 34 color photographs.

Customer Reviews:

Everything is here.......2004-08-28

Unless you are looking for dry journalistic data, this is absolutely everything you could want to learn about these snakes. The information is both deep and broad. Given the scarcity of reader friendly material on Sea snakes, this book is exactly what was needed. Kudos

Comprehensive read on bizzare creatures.......2001-06-28

This book covers all the aspects of sea snakes that one could hope for. Chapters cover distribution, biodiversity, natural history, feeding, enemies, population and community ecology, adaptations, venom and their interactions with humans. Includes large reference list at the end of book so that more in-depth and specific readings can be sought easily. Includes many drawings and black and white photographs along with some colour plates. Well written and fascinating!

Scott 1995 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: European Countries and Colonies, Independent Nations of Africa, Asia, Latin America
Average customer rating:
Scott 1995 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: European Countries and Colonies, Independent Nations of Africa, Asia, Latin America
Scott
Manufacturer: Scott Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Stamps | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0894872036

Scott 1995 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: European Countries and Colonies, Independent Nations of Africa, Asia, Latin America (D-I)
Average customer rating:
Scott 1995 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: European Countries and Colonies, Independent Nations of Africa, Asia, Latin America (D-I)

Manufacturer: Scott Pub Inc Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Stamps | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0894872028

Book Description

Garden Insects of North America is the most comprehensive and user-friendly guide to the common insects and mites affecting yard and garden plants in North America. In a manner no previous book has come close to achieving, through full-color photos and concise, clear, scientifically accurate text, it describes the vast majority of species associated with shade trees and shrubs, turfgrass, flowers and ornamental plants, vegetables, and fruits--1,420 of them, including crickets, katydids, fruit flies, mealybugs, moths, maggots, borers, aphids, ants, bees, and many, many more. For particularly abundant bugs adept at damaging garden plants, management tips are also included. Covering all of the continental United States and Canada, this is the definitive one-volume resource for amateur gardeners, insect lovers, and professional entomologists alike.

To ease identification, the book is organized by plant area affected (e.g., foliage, flowers, stems) and within that, by taxa. Close to a third of the species are primarily leaf chewers, with about the same number of sap suckers. Multiple photos of various life stages and typical plant symptoms are included for key species. The text, on the facing page, provides basic information on host plants, characteristic damage caused to plants, distribution, life history, habits, and, where necessary, how to keep "pests" in check--in short, the essentials to better understanding, appreciating, and tolerating these creatures.

Whether managing, studying, or simply observing insects, identification is the first step--and this book is the key. With it in hand, the marvelous microcosm right outside the house finally comes fully into view.

Describes more than 1,400 species--twice as many as in any other field guide
Full-color photos for most species--more than five times the number in most comparable guides
Up-to-date pest management tips
Organized by plant area affected and by taxa for easy identification
Covers the continental United States and Canada
Provides species level treatment of all insects and mites important to gardens
Illustrates all life stages of key garden insects and commonly associated plant injuries
Concise, clear, scientifically accurate text
Comprehensive and user-friendly

Customer Reviews:

Very Helpful.......2007-10-03

one shouldn't take this book lightly, it is a large and heavy tome with lots of great information and photos. i think that the author, whitney cranshaw, did a great job in how he presents the information. one bit that i would have liked to have is distribution map. information is given about distribution, but i like to have maps too.

i would have enjoyed even more information on each insect he covers, but that would make the book at least twice it's size. that probably wouldn't work at it is already 656 pages long.

it would also be neat if this author could do books on different regions of our country in this format.

Garden Insects of North America.......2007-07-30

Garden Insects of North America: The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Bugs (Princeton Field Guides)

Excellent reference guide. I'm a Master Gardener and it is frequently used when we either have a question of our own or from a Help Line caller. I liked it enough that I felt I needed my own personal copy for home and consulting use.

Wonderful Book for Any Gardener!.......2007-07-01

This book is truly amazing, and seems to be a very comprenehsive reference. I am still a 'budding' gardener, and all-too-often, I find myself in need of identifying a garden pest so that I can eradicate it properly.

What I love most about this book is that it has pictures of so many different types of the same bug, as well as the different life stages of the bus (for example, it has over 68 different pictures of numerous types of aphids, the different stages, and what the infected plant's symptoms may show). Additionally, the pictures are clearly labeled!

I'm thrilled with this book, and I'm sure I will use it for many, many years to come!

YOU GET YOUR MONIES WORTH WITH THIS ONE!.......2007-04-13

They really don't make one volume books on a given subject much better than this one. Now do keep in mind that one book simply cannot cover every single insect, bug or critter that plague a garden or orchard, but this one comes pretty close. The photographs are wonderful and not only give clear pictures of the adult insect, but also in it's various stages of growth, from egg on up. I am constantly turning to this work for the help I need. Other than using it for my garden and orchard, I also photograph insects and other small creatures and plants for a hobby. Many of these insects are quite difficult to identify and I find myself turning to this volume more and more for initial identification before I grab a more detailed text type book. The written descriptions are quite accurate as is the other information, such as living conditions, geographical locations, life cycle, etc. If you must purchase only one book covering the subject, then this is the one you want. Recommend this one highly.

Best book out there for IDing insects.......2007-01-11

Being a Master Gardener I'm often called upon to identify a garden invader. There are many book available but none have proven adequate. This book does the job well. The photos of the insects in all stages is of great value. This book is divided into sections so that you can research by type of damage or plant being effected. It gives a brief biology lesson and also has a chapter on the "good guys." I'd say this is a must for any gardener. All my friends who have seen it are ordering one for themselves.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful Bugs
Lovely, Quirky Fun
Great Introduction to Insects
Backyard Bugs
what a cute little book

Backyard Bugs

Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Pet Bugs: A Kid's Guide to Catching and Keeping Touchable Insects
Garden Insects of North America: The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Bugs (Princeton Field Guides)

ASIN: 0811809072

Book Description

Crawling with full-color, larger-than-life photographs, Backyard Bugs depicts the amazing bugs we see around us every day in an altogether new light. From common pill bugs to exotic-looking dragonflies, tiny orange mites to green fanged spiders, Robin Kittrell Laughlin's vivid photographs capture the kaleidoscopic colors, fascinating details, and amazing facial expressions (yes, expressions) of these underappreciated creatures. With a witty homage to bugs by best selling author Sue Hubbell, scientific information about the bugs and their habitats, amusing literary quotes, and a glossary of bug terminology, Backyard Bugs is sure to capture the imagination of nature lovers, gardeners, and kids all ages.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Bugs.......2006-08-01

As a landscape architect and garden consultant, I was taken by the beauty of each of the creatures presented by Robin through her lovely photographs and witty writing. As you start to thumb through this little morsel of a book, you can't help but stop on each page and marvel at the detail, color and uniqueness of each bug.

It's a fascinating piece which my granddaughters will soon be getting copies of.

Lovely, Quirky Fun.......2005-05-17

I love this book. It is not a field guide, it's a thing of beauty. More of a Victorian natural history journal with a contemporary twist.Ms Kittrell Laughlin has wonderful photographs of insects that seem to reveal the characters of her subjects, or at least their quirky beauty or strangeness. They are presented in a diminutive sized book that fits it's diminutive subject matter. The text reveals the equally quirky aesthetic, experience and sense of humor of it's author. As a painter I use it as one of the things I look at to set my creative juices flowing.

Great Introduction to Insects.......2003-09-16

I like this book. I am a BIG buglover and have plenty of scientific field guides on insects. Robin's book is more relaxed, casual fun, and very enjoyable.

Her photographs are wonderful and the text light, perfect for introducing insect enthusiasts/children into a world that exists right in their very backyard.

I only withold one star because I really wanted all the insects to literally be from her backyard (she got some help from friends :). Okay, so maybe the follow-up book will do just that...right?

Backyard Bugs.......2003-09-15

I'd like to respond to Kimberly Wilson's review of my book, Backyard Bugs. She intimates that I "got it published" through connections revealed in the acknowledgement pages. How would she know? Actually, Chronicle Books asked me to do the book based on my postcards of bugs that an editor there had seen. Luckily I had some friends with places where bugs are allowed to exist. PLease pass this on to your reviewer, Miss Know It All. Thanks, Robin K. Laughlin

what a cute little book.......2003-08-02

As others have said this is not a serious book. It's a cute coffee table book or something to be given to the kids. That doesn't make it bad, however. The pictures are wonderful. You get wonderfully clear photos of each bug.

One more thing, this is one of those books that make you wonder how it got published becuase it's so offbeat. The answer, in this case, lies in the acknowlegement page.

Backyard Bugs (Photo Pop-Ups)
Average customer rating:
Backyard Bugs (Photo Pop-Ups)
DK Publishing
Manufacturer: DK CHILDREN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Nonfiction | Bugs & Spiders | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0756625386

Book Description

Take children on a journey of discovery where stunning images of favorite animals literally spring from the page. This new series features photographic pop-ups that will inspire children to learn more about the natural world around them.

Flying Colors: Butterflies In Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)

Average customer rating:

If your kids like bugs then this is it!

Flying Colors: Butterflies In Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)
Nancy Loewen , and Rick Peterson
Manufacturer: Picture Window Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Chirp, Chirp!: Crickets in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)
Living Lights: Fireflies in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)
Hungry Hoppers: Grasshoppers in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)
Garden Wigglers: Earthworms in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)

ASIN: 1404811435

Customer Reviews:

If your kids like bugs then this is it!.......2006-05-11

My 3 yr old daughter is facinated with butterflies. We checked this out at the library, but after endless reading, we bought it. It gives great scientific info. in a way kids can understand. After reading this, I just wanted to get all the books in the series (there's a dozen). If your child is interested in bugs- bees, worms, fireflies, spiders, etc. these are the books to get! A++

Spotted Beetles: Ladybugs in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)

Average customer rating:

Spotted Beetles: Ladybugs in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)
Nancy Loewen
Manufacturer: Picture Window Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Ladybugs (Minibeasts)
A Ladybug's Life (Nature Upclose)
Are you a Ladybug? (Backyard Books)

ASIN: 1404801421

Tiny Workers: Ants in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)

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Tiny Workers: Ants in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)
Nancy Loewen
Manufacturer: Picture Window Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Infantil y juvenil | Libros en español | Formats | Books

No ficción | Infantil y juvenil | Libros en español | Formats | Books

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Similar Items:

Living Lights: Fireflies in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)
Busy Buzzers: Bees in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)
Hungry Hoppers: Grasshoppers in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)
Chirp, Chirp!: Crickets in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)
Flying Colors: Butterflies in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)

ASIN: 1404804439

Garden Wigglers: Earthworms in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)

Average customer rating:

Garden Wigglers: Earthworms in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)
Nancy Loewen
Manufacturer: Picture Window Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

An Earthworm's Life (Nature Upclose)
Wonderful Worms
Living Lights: Fireflies in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)
Flying Colors: Butterflies in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)
Hungry Hoppers: Grasshoppers in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)

ASIN: 1404817573

Bugs in Your Backyard (Sight Word Readers)

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Bugs in Your Backyard (Sight Word Readers)
Rozanne Lanczak Williams
Manufacturer: Creative Teaching Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Reading | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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Look Up What Can I See (Sight Word Readers)
I See (Sight Word Readers)
A Picnic (Sight Word Readers)
Kids Like (Sight Word Readers)
Come See My Bugs (Sight Word Readers)

ASIN: 1574719688

Bzzz, Bzzz!: Mosquitoes in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)

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Bzzz, Bzzz!: Mosquitoes in Your Backyard (Backyard Bugs)
Nancy Loewen
Manufacturer: Picture Window Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1404817530

Backyard Bug Battle: A Buzz Beaker Brainstorm (Graphic Sparks (Graphic Novels))

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Backyard Bug Battle: A Buzz Beaker Brainstorm (Graphic Sparks (Graphic Novels))
Scott Nickel
Manufacturer: Stone Arch Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

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Robot Rampage: A Buzz Beaker Brainstorm (Graphic Sparks (Graphic Novels))

ASIN: 1598890549

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