Metamorphosis

How insects are changing our world

Erica McAlister, Adrian Washbourne

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English

CSIRO Publishing
01 April 2024

Mathematics & Sciences; Impact of science & technology on society; History of science; Popular science; Insects (entomology); Wildlife: butterflies, other insects & spiders

"Insects are incredibly weird. Their morphology is about as alien to us as you can get without leaving this planet. They outnumber us 200 million to one. Before humans stamped their mark on this planet, insects had shaped it into the colourful and extraordinary world we all share today.

Whether it’s the astonishing properties of resilin, the protein that makes fleas jump; the proboscis of the mosquito’s mouth being used to develop smart needles; or the computational dynamics gleaned from studying locust swarms in Africa – Erica McAlister and Adrian Washbourne reveal the wonder of insects, the historical figures who have made great breakthroughs in understanding them, and the increasingly vital role they play in ensuring life, as we know it, continues.

Praise for Metamorphosis:

""Combining charm, humour and a museum worth of facts, this is a brilliant read that will change your thinking towards our insect friends.""

Dr Bryan Lessard a.k.a. Bry the Fly Guy, award winning entomologist, science communicator and children's author"

By: Erica McAlister
With: Adrian Washbourne
Imprint: CSIRO Publishing
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 195mm, Width: 130mm, Spine: 20mm
Weight: 350g
ISBN: 9781486318902
ISBN 10: 1486318908
Pages: 216
Publication Date: 01 April 2024
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction Chapter One: Jumping Jack flash Chapter Two: Mighty mouthparts Chapter Three: Drosophila melanogastronauts Chapter Four: Cycles of change Chapter Five: Blowfly detectives Chapter Six: Dazzling disguise Chapter Seven: The ultimate upcyclers Chapter Eight: Namib fog harvester Chapter Nine: Bee brain intelligence Chapter Ten: The nerve of a cockroach Concluding remarks Further reading Index Picture credits Acknowledgements

Erica McAlister is Curator of Diptera at the Natural History Museum, London. She is the author of the acclaimed books The Secret Life of Flies and The Inside Out of Flies (CSIRO Publishing). Adrian Washbourne is an award-winning producer for BBC Radio 4.

Reviews for Metamorphosis: How insects are changing our world

"""Combining charm, humour and a museum worth of facts, this is a brilliant read that will change your thinking towards our insect friends."" -- Dr Bryan Lessard"