Television's Nature Nut, John Acorn, teams up with nature illustrator Ian Sheldon to craft a witty and personable book about the insects and arachnids most often found in the diverse habitats of Northern California.  In the introduction, the author presents an easily understandable overview, briefly covers the biology and ecology of our insects, and provides a brief guide to 'bug-watching.' He speaks with passion, knowledge and love for his topic, and speaks frankly and kindly about human interaction with bugs, as observers, collectors, and as co-existing species.

When, from time to time, you see bugs and wonder what they are and what they're doing, this book, with it's large beautifully colored illustration and identification key, will satisfy your curiosity. It's not a Peterson's Guide-type book, but a good introduction to--as it says--"the 125 coolest bugs of Northern California."

While the book was published in 2002, it remains perfectly appropriate today, and its durable weatherproof cover shows little sign of it's long life.