|
Abstract:
|
Part I. Classification -- The language of entomology -- Morphology -- The Lucanidae -- Origins of the Australian stag beetle fauna -- Taxonomic studies of the Australian stag beetle fauna -- Part II. Checklist of Australian Lucanidae -- Aesalinae -- Lampriminae -- Syndesinae -- Lucaninae -- Part III. How to find stag beetles -- Keeping live stag beetles -- Field preservation and collection management -- Entomological societies in Australia -- Major insect collections in Australia -- Recommended publications for your library.
Most Australian stag beetles live secretive lives. Some species spend their entire life cycle inside decaying timber or under logs sunken into the soil. Yet these active recyclers of the forest are admired by beetle-loving people worldwide. Their aesthetic appeal and the rarity of some species make them of great value to collectors: the beetles in the subfamily Lampriminae are splendidly colourful, while others show an amazing variety in male mandible size and structure. A Guide to Stag Beetles of Australia is a comprehensive account of the 98 lucanid species found in Australia. This book reveals their diversity and beauty, looks in detail at their morphology, habitats and ecology, and explains how to collect, keep and preserve them. Natural history enthusiasts and professional and amateur coleopterists alike will benefit from the use of this guide. The book features some stunning images from entomologist and photographer Paul Zborowski. Paul has over 40 years' experience of field-based study of insects and related creatures in habitats all over the world's tropics, and operates a specialist image bank www.close-up-photolibrary.com.
|
