Science Writing
I was invited to write a chapter on the history of insect zoos in the Encyclopedia of Insects edited by Vince Resh and Ring Cardé, which has received rave reviews and covers every aspect of insect life from crickets to conservation (Academic Press, 2003). The 2nd edition has been published (July 2009) with more color images and information!
A couple of reviews...
"There are several large (even two-volume) reference works or textbooks on insects; they tend to be technical, detailed, important and useful but largely understandable only by technically experienced people for whom they are intended. The Encyclopedia of Insects is refreshing in contrast. It will consist of some 275 alphabetically arranged accounts of entomological topics as diverse as Colonies, Crickets, Conservation, Feeding Behavior, Digestion, Insecticides, Malaria, Insect Zoos, and Fire Ants. The authors, drawn from much of the world, are specialists on their diverse topics; they explain these topics, including the recent advances, in ordinary English, but freely using and clarifying technical words as needed. The breadth of insect studies and the importance of insects in human affairs are startingly revealed by the list of topics. There can be no better way to review the field than by way of this Encyclopedia."
— Charles D. Michener, University of Kansas
"This is a magnificent volume, broad and modern in its approach, and written by a distinguished group of experts. Since insects are the most abundant terrestrial invertebrates and play such important roles in the ecosystems that support humanity, this book should be on the shelf of every biologist and naturalist. It is a gold-mine of fascinating information, and an invaluable reference for the professional."
— Paul R. Ehrlich, President, Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University
See my article "Pollination Partners: the chemical attraction between plants and insects" California Native Plant Society. May-June, newsletter.
In 1980, I originated an annual insect appreciation event in San Francisco called "What's Bugging You Day?" which celebrated entomophilia and all things insect, from honey, insect sculpture, insect origami, antique Chinese cricket cages, to chocolate chip chirpies, insect oh-my drawers, mosquito abatement and Lyme disease information.
Inspired by our 13 consecutive years of dedication to cooking up some of the most delectable insect morsels from around the world for the public to taste and consider, photographer Peter Menzel photographed Norman Gershenz and me for the final plate in his popular book titled "Man Eating Bugs: the Art and Science of Eating Insects" with stunning photographs of entomophagy from around the world (Ten Speed Press 1998) co-authored by Faith D'Aluisio.
It can be purchased at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1580080227/thebookofzines/104-8459813-6073568
For deep content about the practice of entomophagy from around the world go to Dr. Gene DeFoliart's website: http://www.food-insects.com/
To get back issues of the Food Insects Newsletter: http://www.hollowtop.com/finl_html/finl.html
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