With this book in hand, readers of any age will discover -- just outside their own doors, no matter where they live--a world they never knew existed. Hundreds of stunning photos combined with expert information create an up-close-and-personal tour of the hidden lives of spiders, beetles, butterflies, moths, crickets, dragonflies, damselflies, grasshoppers, aphids, and many other backyard residents. You won't believe your eyes! Each creature is in its natural setting, and many are shown progressing through all of the various stages of their life cycles. This is a one-of-a-kind look at some of life's most fascinating mysteries -- surprising, captivating, and perfect for nature lovers of all ages. "The Secret Lives of Backyard Bugs" has earned two national awards -- (1) NOBA - National Outdoor Book Award (2) Teacher's Choice Award for "Product of Excellence for the Family". The pages are filled with great color photos arranged in a magazine-like format. The whole book seems like it could be the bug edition of Ranger Rick . The back of the book has comparison charts to help identify eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. It would make a great home reference book for any kid interested in bugs. - Kaylee from Goodreads In awe filled photography we are able to see complete life cycles of insects and spiders from eggs to larvae, pupa to adult. This is by far one of the most interesting bug books I have ever read. It also includes a top host and nectar plant guide, comparison guides for each stage of the life cycle, and briefly touches on plant and soil life. Detailed descriptions and photographs make this book interesting even for those who aren't overly fond of insects. -- Melanie Schemanski (melanieski.blogspot.com) "For all aspiring entomologists, or even just plain nature lovers, this book should be part of your library." --Aron Row (citybookreview.com) The entire book is filled with amazing photographs that will delight readers of all ages. Each of the sections about the insects has wonderful basic information with pictures of the different stages of the insect. The brother-sister author team has brought the mysterious world of these little critters to life. And this book is a great way to start to learn about insects whether you are 5 or 55. This book is an excellent book for children, grandchildren, a favorite teacher or a favorite gardener. -- Donna Donabella (GardensEyeView.com) If we can just encourage people to care about nature on a personal level it will change their lives forever.  And we know from our own experiences that families who share their outdoor activities together form closer bonds to each other.  Our childhood love for butterflies fueled our quest to become naturalists and has led us on the adventure of a lifetime as we grew into nature photographers, authors and public speakers. Naturalists Judy Burris and Wayne Richards, a sister-brother author team, have been intrigued with butterflies since they were children. They have spent many years observing, raising, and photographing these miraculous creatures along with many other insects and animals. Their butterfly book ( The Life Cycles of Butterflies ) has earned two national awards from Learning Magazine -- a Teacher's Choice Award for "Children's Books" and a "Product of Excellence for the Family." Their bugs book ( The Secret Lives of Backyard Bugs ) won the NOBA -National Outdoor Book Award - and also the Teacher's Choice Award for "Product of Excellence for the Family".  Their nature book ( Nature's Notes ) won Creative Child Magazine's "PREFERRED CHOICE AWARD" in the Kids Educational Books category, as well as the Mom's Choice Awards GOLD seal for best in family-friendly products, and also FIRST PLACE for the Royal Dragonfly Book Award in the category of photography.  Judy and Wayne live in northern Kentucky and travel around giving nature presentations at Master Gardener events, libraries, schools, nature preserves and many other venues. The Secret Lives of Backyard Bugs Discover Amazing Butterflies, Moths, Spiders, Dragonflies, and Other Insects! By Judy Burris, Wayne Richards, Claire Golding, Sarah Guare, Gwen Steege Storey Publishing Copyright © 2011 Judy Burris and Wayne Richards All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-60342-563-6 Contents Preface, Part One: INTRODUCTION, Seasonal Cycles • Plant Life Cycles • Soil Life Cycles • Life Cycles of Insects and Spiders, Part Two: THE SECRET LIVES OF INSECTS AND SPIDERS, LIGHTNING BUG, LADYBUG, CLAVATE TORTOISE BEETLE, FALSE POTATO BEETLE, DRAGONFLIES, DAMSELFLIES, GREEN LACEWING, HOVERFLIES, STICK INSECTS, CHINESE MANTID, WASPS, BEES, ANTS, GRASSHOPPERS, KATYDIDS, CRICKETS, CICADAS, APHIDS, SPITTLEBUG, STINK BUG, LEAFHOPPERS, AMERICAN COPPER, AMERICAN SNOUT, BALTIMORE CHECKERSPOT, CLOUDLESS SULPHUR, EASTERN BLACK SWALLOWTAIL, HACKBERRY EMPEROR, MONARCH, MOURNING CLOAK, SILVER-SPOTTED SKIPPER, SPRING AZURE, TIGER SWALLOWTAIL,