Pacific Northwest Insects – Merrill A. Peterson

Features   Detailed accounts for more than 1225 species featuring dazzling color photos of living examples. Detailed information about other species in the region that are similar to the featured species, allowing users to distinguish and identify over 3,000 of the region’s most common, most interesting, and most spectacular species.   Covers all the major groups of insects in the region as well as spiders, harvestmen, scorpions, windscorpions, millipedes, centipedes, springtails, and kin. Coverage of southern British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, northern California (through the Bay Area), Idaho, and western Montana.  User-friendly, color-coded formatting, with quick-reference guides.  Key information about pests, beneficial insects, and species of conservation concern.   About the Author Merrill A. Peterson is Professor of Biology and Insect Collection Curator at Western Washington University, where he has taught various courses in entomology, ecology, and evolutionary biology since 1997. He is also an adjunct professor in the Entomology Department at Washington State University and often teaches Master Gardener classes on insects. Merrill began studying insects while growing up in Seattle, received his B.S. in Zoology from the University of Washington, and his Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University. He has authored numerous papers on insect ecology, evolution, and diversity, and oversaw the development of the Pacific Northwest Moths website.    PRAISE FOR PACIFIC NORTHWEST INSECTS     “Beautiful and highly effective”  –- Edward O. Wilson, Professor Emeritus at Harvard University “The first regional field guide that allows amateur bug-watchers to accurately identify a broad range of insects to the species level.” — The Seattle Times “This book, without doubt, is the best single guide to the identification of the region’s insects.” — Rob Cannings, Ph.D., Curator Emeritus of Entomology at Canada’s Royal British Columbia Museum and author of Dragonflies of British Columbia and the Yukon. “This is the book I’ll be recommending for gardeners and hikers who want to identify the insects that share their garden and woodlands. Thank you Dr. Peterson.” — Sharon J. Collman, founding architect of the international Master Gardener Program and Professor Emeritus, WSU Cooperative Extension. “A feast of information and images.” — Dr. David G James, author of Life Histories of Cascadia Butterflies “A book that all entomologists will undoubtedly wish to possess…This book should be on the shelf of all libraries in the region and will be in constant demand by all readers interested in the living world. It is an essential reference for the beginner.” — G.G.E. Scudder, Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia “With stunning photos and informative text…this easy-to-use book is a must-have for all field naturalists.” –- Dennis Paulson, Ph.D., Director Emeritus, Slater Museum of Natural History and author of Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West