Silent Sparks: The Wondrous World Of Fireflies Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
For centuries, the beauty of fireflies has evoked wonder and delight. Yet for most of us, fireflies remain shrouded in mystery: How do fireflies make their light? What are they saying with their flashing? And what do fireflies look for in a mate? In Silent Sparks, noted biologist and firefly expert Sara Lewis dives into the fascinating world of fireflies and reveals the most up-to-date discoveries about these beloved insects. From the meadows of New England and the hills of the Great Smoky Mountains, to the rivers of Japan and mangrove forests of Malaysia, this beautifully illustrated and accessible book uncovers the remarkable, dramatic stories of birth, courtship, romance, sex, deceit, poison, and death among fireflies.The nearly two thousand species of fireflies worldwide have evolved in different ways--and while most mate through the aerial language of blinking lights, not all do. Lewis introduces us to fireflies that don't light up at all, relying on wind-borne perfumes to find mates, and we encounter glow-worm fireflies, whose plump, wingless females never fly. We go behind the scenes to meet inquisitive scientists who have dedicated their lives to understanding fireflies, and we learn about various modern threats including light pollution and habitat destruction. In the last section of the book, Lewis provides a field guide for North American fireflies, enabling us to identify them in our own backyards and neighborhoods. This concise, handy guide includes distinguishing features, habits, and range maps for the most commonly encountered fireflies, as well as a gear list.A passionate exploration of one of the world's most charismatic and admired insects, Silent Sparks will inspire us to reconnect with the natural world.
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Princeton University Press (April 26, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0691162689
ISBN-13: 978-0691162683
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 0.9 x 10.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #134,772 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #45 in Books > Science & Math > Biological Sciences > Biology > Entomology #59 in Books > Science & Math > Biological Sciences > Animals > Insects & Spiders #116 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Natural History
For scientists and citizen naturalists alike This is a great book. It breaks new ground. Explains the magical world of this signal species. It's also a very beautiful book and includes a field guide to North American fireflies.
This book is an example of the best kind of science writing. The author's obvious passion for the subject comes through loud and clear. She is an excellent writer who doesn't have to stoop to exaggeration and purple prose to convey the information. The text is scholarly without being in the least boring. For those who would like more information on a particular aspect of fireflies there are ample references at the end. It is very well illustrated with ample pictures and diagrams. I learned a LOT from this book.
High scholarly level presented so that the lightning bug lover can fully enjoy it while getting answers to a lot of questions that have been occurring to her. The nudge nudge wink wink of the insect world.
Fireflies, for any kid who grew up in the country or the suburbs, they were a part of the magic of summer. Who knew there were more than 2,000 different varieties, or that some donât light up at all? Learn about their birth, reproduction, life and death and the many places they call home. This is a fascinating book filled with information about insects that have captivated us since childhood, that does nothing to dispel the magic
Disappointed to discover there are hardly any photos. Lots of scientific information if that's your thing, though.
A fine and thorough investigation of this object of curiosity in nature.
Fantastic book that is engaged for non-scientists and scientists alike
This book is poetry of beauty of fireflies.
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