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.

About the Author

Phil Wheater is Professor Emeritus in Environmental and Geographical Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University. After a long university career, he has semi-retired to follow his interests in the ecology and management of human-influenced environments, and invertebrate conservation and management. He has written several books on ecology and field techniques, is a keen advocate of field ecology, and continues to teach university students, including on field courses.

Dr Helen Read is the Conservation Officer for the City of London Corporation at Burnham Beeches, a National Nature Reserve in Bucks. She is an active member of the British Myriapod and Isopod Group having been Secretary and Bulletin Editor for many years and has previously served on the Council of the British Arachnological Society and been its Secretary. She is currently updating the Synopsis of the British Fauna volume on millipedes.

Charlotte Wheater is an artist who has produced illustrations for a range of outputs, including websites, research reports, infographics, and books.

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.

-- Phyllis G. Weintraub, Community Ecology

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.

-- Alvin Helden, Anglia Ruskin University * In Practice *

A great addition to the library of any wildlife enthusiast who may want to observe the world of the invertebrates around them.

-- Danniella Sherwood * Newsletter of the British Arachnological Society *

If you are keen or just interested in turning over logs and stones (which most naturalists seem to enjoy or should do) then this is the book for you and its definitely worth upgrading to the new edition. Easily recommended.

-- Roy Stewart * British Naturalist *



Book Information
ISBN 9781784274177
Author C. Philip Wheater
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Pelagic Publishing
Publisher Pelagic Publishing
Weight(grams) 734g
Dimensions(mm) 210mm * 148mm * 21mm