Authoritative text crystal-clear photography and a systematic approach make this handbook the most comprehensive recognition guide to the insects spiders and other terrestrial arthropods of the world. Packed with photographs and illustrations of more than 550 insect families it is designed to cut through the process of identification enabling you to recognize insects easily. Photo-Encyclopedic Approach Focusing on over 300 of the main insect families The Dorling Kindersley Handbook of Insects Spiders and Other Terrestrial Arthropods tackles the incredible diversity of this class. All 29 orders of insect are examined as well as a representative selection of spiders and other terrestrial arthropods from around the world. Identification Made Easy Written for beginners and enthusiasts alike each entry combines a concise description with annotated photographs and illustrations to highlight the insect's chief characteristics including physical features life cycle habitat and larval stages. In addition there is an explanation of what an insect is and a practical photographic identification key to the main insect group which guides the reader to correct entries.