An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America

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Summary: This is a dichotomous key to the American aquatic insects
Review: While designed for the generalist working in the area of macrobenthic taxonomy, "An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America" stands as one of the classics in its field. Nine orders of aquatic insects are classified, generally to the level of genus. Some information is provided about collection, preservation, phylogeny, ecology, respiration, and developmental biology in the introductory chapters. Each key to the individual Orders contains additional information specific to that Order. All of the keys are extensively referenced to illustrations. Each section is supported by an extensive bibliography. The section on the Diptera is subdivided to cover the major families individually. The spiral binding allows the book to lie flat while the user manipulates specimens under the microscope - an under-appreciated bonus. Some of the keys are a little buggy, but this is a 'must have' for aquatic entomologists of all levels of expertise.