Logs,stones and the like provide an interesting interface between the damp depths of the soil and the drier open ground surface,offering refuges for a fascinating array of animals. The communities of organisms that live beneath them are little noticed and even less studied,yet the potential for ecological work here is great. Some of the animals are relatively large and frequently not difficult to find. They exhibit a wide range of lifestyles - from slow slugs or snails to very fast centipedes,from generalist to specialist feeders and from herbivores to carnivores.
With chapters covering the cryptosphere environment,species groups,identification,guidelines and ideas for further research,this much-expanded and updated new edition also includes extensive,easy-to-use,comprehensively illustrated keys. Ground-surface debris can be found almost anywhere,often presenting highly accessible microhabitats for study and bringing immediate rewards to the curious: here is the ideal tool to unlock these worlds.
Publisher: Pelagic PublishingISBN: 9781784274177Weight: 734 gDimensions: 210 x 148 x 21 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
This second edition,at 352 pages (ca fourfold longer),is comprehensive and has been thoroughly updated using the most recent taxonomic divisions and information available... This book will interest those who are curious about hidden animals. Teachers would also appreciate this book,as it could be adapted for students from elementary to high school.
An excellent and very useful book for naturalists,ecologists,ecological surveyors,or indeed anyone interested in knowing what lives in the hidden places of their garden. It caters well for the growing interest in and use of bug hotels and will help anyone establishing them to understand more about the animal communities they support.
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