Pet Bugs: A Kid's Guide to Catching and Keeping Touchable Insects

by Sally Kneidel

Overview

* What kind of insect does a back flip?
* Which bug will wrestle with a rival?
You'll find the answers to these and other fascinating questionsabout insects in Pet Bugs. Small, easy to find, catch, and carefor, and intriguing to watch, bugs make terrific pets! In Pet Bugs,Sally Kneidel shows you how to catch and keep crickets, mantises,click beetles, and many more kinds of insects. She'll also give youa close-up view of how insects interact with one another and withtheir environment. C Captivating illustrations throughout the bookbring this fun-filled hobby to life for kids.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780471311881
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	06/14/1994
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	7.03(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.36(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

SALLY KNEIDEL, Ph.D., teaches science to grades K-6 at Cotswold Elementary School in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is the author of Creepy Crawlies and the Scientific Method, and her articles have appeared in Mothering magazine, Ecology, and The Charlotte Observer.

Table of Contents

Bugs That Eat Other Bugs.

Bugs That Have Special Tricks to Avoid Being Gobbled Up.

Bugs That Look Like Something They're Not.

Bugs That Live and Work in Groups.

Bugs That Communicate with Each Other in Special Ways.

Bugs That Multiply—Before Your Eyes!.

Appendix.

Glossary.

For Further Reading.

Index.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 4-6-This title offers simple instructions for capturing and keeping 26 kinds of common arthropods: ladybugs, pillbugs, millipedes, termites, crickets, several species of butterflies, jumping spiders, etc. (Despite the title, not all of the creatures discussed are insects.) Each animal is discussed in a four-page chapter that describes physical characteristics, natural habitat, techniques for catching and then housing it, and behavior that may be observed. Boxed inserts cite each animal's class, order, and family; summarize its characteristics and basic diet; and note its general distribution across the U.S. Two or three clear, pen-and-ink drawings depict each animal discussed; color would have been more useful for identification purposes. Most of the text is clearly written; however, the section explaining aphid reproduction has conflicting statements. Anthropomorphism is a problem throughout. Insect offspring are often referred to as ``girl babies'' or ``boys.'' Oddly enough, the correct terms are also used, sometimes in the same sentences. Personal anecdotes and comments by the author are sprinkled throughout the text. Some simple experiments are suggested; most, but not all, are humane. Ellen Doris's Entomology (Thames and Hudson, 1993) is concisely written, has a more scientific approach, and is illustrated with excellent color photographs. Although it only includes directions for collecting and keeping a few of the same insects included in Kneidel's title, it is a better choice for purchase until a more scientific, better illustrated guide is published.-Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library

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