This introductory book explains bee biology and diversity complemented with beautiful drawings and photographs. It forms an essential companion to a field guide, an accessible and affordable alternative to a technical handbook.
The text is presented as themed double-page spreads covering all the major topics such as diversity, taxonomy, anatomy, behaviour, pollination, evolution and adaptation and the responses of bees to climate change. Bees that you may find in your garden, allotment or park are highlighted and the book is complemented with notes, references and reading recommendations if required. Hairy-foot, long-tongue has been designed to provide up-to-date research on the bees that are not honey- or bumble-, but represent the largest part of our bee fauna, in a beautifully illustrated, easily digested form that is a pleasure to look through as well as being informative.
One of our favourite solitary bees is the Hairy-footed flower bee Anthophora plumipes. One may ask “Why is the foot hairy?” and “Why is the tongue long?” This book answers these questions and many others and explores the complexities of solitary bee lives and their evolution. The book has over 250 photographs and over 150 drawings (in colour and pencil): the majority of the photographs, and all of the drawings, are by the author.
Whether readers are interested ‘Springwatch-watchers’ or are intrigued after seeing all the press coverage of the problems bees are having in our current environment; or as a beekeeper or member of a citizen-science programme monitoring bee populations or a student on an environmental studies course needing an accessible background text on biology and evolution in bees – this is the perfect book.
‘…this lovely volume and to congratulate you on such a spectacular book! …a great contribution. I genuinely love it. …illustrations are gorgeous and your text is engaging’. Michael S. Engel, American Museum of Natural History, New York
‘What a masterpiece, you must be very proud. It's simply gorgeous, as well as so full of information you just don't get elsewhere. Pure delight’. Prof. Dave Raffaelli, University of York
‘...this richly illustrated book, ... It’s easily the best primer on the family I have encountered. ...his tone is a perfectly judged blend of authority and engagement’. Country Life, 21st August 2024
‘I just love this book! The thing that attracts me most is the drawings. Although I've spent twenty years photographing wild and native bee species, I always "see" more in a well-drawn illustration. A book like this, containing both, is a gem’. Rusty Burlew, HoneyBeeSuite.com
'...this is one of the most beautiful, engaging and fascinating books I have read in many years. ...includes a huge amount of information on many more – practically all – solitary bees of the UK... ...it is written clearly and concisely, and above all, perfectly illustrated by lots of original drawings'. Wildlife Gardening Forum Newsletter
'...is a treat for anyone trying to learn the basics of solitary bees. ... An array of meticulous drawings by the author gives this work an edge... Each drawing is a work of art. ... I adore this book...' American Bee Journal
'...is a labour of love. I can recommend it for anybody wishing to know a little more about bees and their place in the environment, and it is very good value'. The Beekeepers Quarterly
'This beautiful book ... the many detailed drawings ... are also some excellent larger-scale illustrations ... A lovely reminder of the wonderful world just outside the door...'. Best of British
'...is a book we can read from cover to cover, or use as a reference text for specific information, or leave close at hand to dip into whenever time allows. ...is a compelling book that heps us to observe and appreciate the plants and insects in our local environment and to understand the importance of biodiversity. ...is a 'must have' for beekeepers who want to know more about the fascinating world of bees'. Welsh Beekeeper
'...its combination of beautiful drawings, photographs and written detail makes it very attractive. ...author should be congratulated on putting together a notable combination of art and science which should do much to highlight these fascinating creatures. ...this book will open their eyes'. The Scottish Beekeeper
'...is a great book that is sure to inspire readers to be more observant of these lesser-known bees and perhaps entice them to create gardens or build nesting structures for the bees' benefit'. The Canadian Field-Naturalist
'...it holds a lot of information. ... For me the highlight and most appealing parts of the book are the illustrations. ...are brilliantly observed and are, to my eye, unique in being part of a book that also contains a lot of scientific information. ...author uses his painterly style to present close-up and microscopic details - they are fantastic. ... I recommend this accessible and inspiring book ... it would make an ideal gift for those dipping their toe into the world of soliary bees'. BWARS Newsletter
A Year in a Ditch
Mangroves and Man-Eaters
Gone Wild
Eponym Dictionary of Odonata