Insects of B and I Brock edition 2 (1 Viewer)

Steve Babbs

Well-known member

• Jul 1, 2020

• #1

I have the first edition Brock insect book. Is it worth replacing it with the second edition?

Any thoughts appreciated.

Steve

 

A

aeshna5

Well-known member

• Jul 1, 2020

• #2

Like you I have the first edition & normally the few additions don't warrant the expense of the new one. You might be better waiting for a new title due at the end of the year by the same author called:

Britain's Insects

 

Steve Babbs

Well-known member

• Jul 2, 2020

• #3

That's probably why NHBS are selling edition 2 of cheaply then. I'll hold fire. Thanks.

 

colincurry

Well-known member

• Jul 2, 2020

• #4

Some advice please.

I have Chinnery's Complete British Insects and Insects of Britain and Western Europe. Would anyone know how these compare with the Brock edn 2, please?

Thanks

Colin

 

A

aeshna5

Well-known member

• Jul 2, 2020

• #5

colincurry said:

Some advice please.

I have Chinnery's Complete British Insects and Insects of Britain and Western Europe. Would anyone know how these compare with the Brock edn 2, please?

Thanks

Colin

Click to expand...

A main difference is the Brock book is a photo guide rather than illustrations & is based on the UK only, though there is a thinner companion guide to southern Europe.

Brock has a more thorough coverage with all the regular species of some of the more popular groups such as Odonata, Orthoptera, macro-moths, shieldbugs, etc. For years Chinery was my general go to guide but this I think is better. Certainly a good alternative. I certainly think it's a worthwhile addition to any naturalist's library. I think when Chinery was last revised they didn't even bother to include either Harlequin Ladybird or Rosemary Beetle- which are 2 showy species that people with no special knowledge will encounter in their gardens & not find it in the book.

 

colincurry

Well-known member

• Jul 2, 2020

• #6

Thank you. I shall get a copy and perhaps I won't need to bother you quite so much!

Colin

 

R

Rotherbirder

Well-known member

• Jul 4, 2020

• #7

colincurry said:

Thank you. I shall get a copy and perhaps I won't need to bother you quite so much!

Colin

Click to expand...

Bear in mind that books can only ever be a most basic indicator to the ID of most insects - usually down to no better than genus - and the majority cannot be identified with 100% certainty to species level even from photographs. For this you need experience, patience, a specimen and a reliable key.

RB

 

Ficedula

velico ergo sum

• Jul 4, 2020

• #8

Rotherbirder said:

Bear in mind that books can only ever be a most basic indicator to the ID of most insects - usually down to no better than genus - and the majority cannot be identified with 100% certainty to species level even from photographs. For this you need experience, patience, a specimen and a reliable key.

RB

Click to expand...

I'll second that, how they can use the terms "Comprehensive" and "Complete" with a clear conscience I don't know. The Brock book covers only 2300 species, less than 10% of British insect fauna, so like having a bird book with just 30-40 species in it.

 

Steve Babbs

Well-known member

• Jul 4, 2020

• #9

I would agree with the comments about caution. I use it for very obvious species and even then I Google for similar species and to put me in the general direction before using more specialist books/websites. It is very good for that though.