More than one fifth of all the known life forms on this planet are beetles. They are extraordinarily visually diverse: the famous British geneticist J.B.S Haldane, when asked what could be inferred about God from a study of His works, replied, 'An inordinate
fondness for beetles.'
The Book of Beetles takes an in-depth look at 600 significant examples. They are shown in glorious photographs, life-size and in detail, alongside an engraving offering a side or open-winged view. Each profile includes a population distribution map, a table of essential information, a commentary revealing notable characteristics, a list of related species, and a diagnosis of the specimen's importance in terms of taxonomy, rarity, behaviour and scientific significance.