Good Bugs for Your Garden [Hardcover]

Just pulling it off the shelf, you might be tempted to dismiss this book as lightweight: The text scrawls across the page in a handwriting-like typeface, and doodle-sketches of bugs and flowers and scenery run scattershot throughout. The information seems solid, however, and there's a great deal of it.

The bugs covered in this book range from prominent garden bugs, such as ladybugs and bumble bees, to almost undetectable critters, like the trichograma wasp. Overall, they have exactly two things in common: They are somehow beneficial to your yard, and they are prevalent enough that you _might_ have actually seen one!

Entries include a common name, family, and order at the top of the page, a brief introductory comment on the bug or bug family, a color sketch of said bug --frequently with hapless victim-- preferred prey/means by which they do their thing, preferred habitat, and information about how to get said bug to take up permanent residence in your yard. The author often includes personal comments about the bug (why she likes it, curious behaviors, that sort of thing). Additional pictures range from "actual size" sketches to unabashed border doodles.

For me, the most interesting thing about this book was the coverage it gave to (1) larval bugs (yech!) and (2) tips on attracting/maintaining a native population for your yard. I'm not into grubs, but it IS helpful to know which ones I shouldn't be killing. Also, I liked the fact that she did not limit herself to "bugs:" There's things like earthworms and spiders in here too.

The book does have some shortcomings worth mentioning. First, the layout: You'll either love it or hate it. Think highschool biology notes by someone with artistic talent.

Second, the index is, uh, considerably less than comprehensive. Prettymuch limited to common names. If you don't know the particular common name she's using, tough. So don't look for "ladybug," 'cause it's only listed under "ladybird beetle." Last, she generally doesn't mention anything about geographic distribution or preferred climate. (I guess you have to draw the line somewhere.)

Bottom line: I think this is a GREAT introductory book on bugs! It's warm, enthusiastic and friendly, and it doesn't get bogged down trying to show you every little variety of bugs out there. It sticks to bugs you'll probably actually see, which makes it a great book for families with kids. (or unenthusiastic spouses: "Look honey! I know it's got six legs and four eyes, but it eats SLUGS!") ...and personally, I thought the pictures were _great_ --they're half the reason I bought it.