[grumps]

Wondered what folk would suggest as a good all round guide. Have plenty on butterflies, dragons and moths - now looking to extend my range.

Thanks,

Hugh

[htcdude]

It depends if you want to go into a specific area or not.

The Collins Complete Insect Guide is a good all-rounder:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0...5SWXVYR125NPDM

Otherwise you can get specifics like:

Bumblebess - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Field-Guide-...9071430&sr=1-1

Hoverflies - http://www.amazon.co.uk/British-Hove...9071453&sr=1-4

etc, etc

Nige

[RoyW]

I would suggest Michael Chinery's "Insect of western Europe", if you want a general guide that covers all groups - otherwise 'expand' one group at a time, picking groups that have good guides available (as suggested above).

If you go for a general guide you have to accept that it will rarely allow you to identify anything to species level with any certainty. You may find a good match, but there is always a chance that there may be two or three other common species that are almost identical. (A bit like a bird guide only illustrating Chiffchaff as an 'example' of Phylloscopus warblers).

[grumps]

Thanks -much appreciated. Not a great fan of photo guides except to supplement other guides but the Collins seems ok.
Kmow its not a field guide but what are the views on the BES British Insects book?

Hugh

[Bobbobthebob]

I have to second the "Insects of Britain & Western Europe" book as a good starting off point. - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Insects-Brit.../dp/0713672390

It has extra illustrations for features needed in IDing insects (eg. the shape of the pronotal keel on grasshoppers) which, to my knowledge, the Collins Photographic Guide does not have. Both guides are written by Michael Chinery and will cover mostly the same species.

[grumps]

Thanks Bob. I think a new revised issue is due out in September so will look out for it.

Hugh

[grumps]

Have just got the new Chinery and it is just what I wanted. Thanks for all your suggestions.

Hugh