Search results for ""author richard comont""

RSPB Spotlight: Ladybirds is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist. Brightly coloured and pleasingly pattered, ladybirds are among some of our most beloved and familiar invertebrates. Their role in helping to protect our crops by devouring huge numbers of pests has firmly established these tiny, flying beetles as the gardeners' friend. Spotlight Ladybird focuses on the 26 species that are resident in the UK, from the widespread but unusual Orange Ladybird to the rare - and aptly named - Scarce 7-spot Ladybird. Ladybird expert, Richard Comont considers the conservation challenges facing these iconic species, whose populations are now at risk thanks to the threat posed by one of their own, the invasive alien Harlequin Ladybird. And he covers all aspects of ladybirds' biology, from tiny larvae emerging from their oval eggs to large aggregations that converge at specific sites around the world. Richard also examines the natural history and cultural significance of this fascinating group of beetles, from Ladybird Books to Thor. The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives of our favourite animals with eye-catching colour photos and informative expert text.

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This book is the first resource to review the influence of climate change on urban and public pests such as mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and wood pests, with respect to population, distribution, disease, damage and control. It systematically addresses how the impact of climate change on pests in urban areas differs from natural areas, focusing on the increased temperatures of urban locations, the effect of natural disasters, the manner of land use and the consequences of human habitation. Climate Change Impacts on Urban Pests: - covers key information on how climate change and urban pests affect human health - includes coverage of the impacts of natural disasters such as flooding looks at issues which could influence the management of pests - explores a range of international opinion from recognised authorities covering six continents. Presenting up-to-date knowledge, this book is an essential resource for researchers in urban pests, entomology and public health, as well as scientists, environmentalists and policy makers involved in studies on climate change.

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