Clarke H. Scholtz & Hennie de Klerk
This mighty 820-page entomological text covers the biology and natural history of insects of southern Africa. That geographical focus, however, should not deter any entomologist, whatever their location, from accessing this volume, for the African subcontinent is well known for the richness and diversity of its insects: the content of this book is relevant to entomology worldwide. The work is, in many ways, an entomological textbook given that it includes much basic insect biology. But the whole tome is infused with a plethora of information on the ecological significance of these organisms, taking it well beyond the more typical form and function that underpins most texts. Furthermore, there are but few line drawings — rather the book is replete with colour photographs (around 3,200) of insects from the subcontinent in their natural habitat. These factors give the treatise a strongly natural history flavour.
The book is divided into 21 chapters, the early ones in particular covering the more fundamental aspects of entomology, frequently illustrated by examples from the African subcontinent. Accessibility is underpinned both by the use of boxes to highlight special topics without disrupting the flow of the main text and the liberality of the colour photographs. The early chapters include the significance of insects and their position in the Arthropoda, the relevance of insects to humans, insect origins, systematics, morphology and physiology, sensory systems, metamorphosis and growth, reproduction and brood care, and defence. Most of the rest of the volume has a strongly ecological and natural history bent with many fascinating life-histories and biological stories highlighted to exemplify the underlying narrative. A chapter on harsh habitats covers the conditions encountered by insects and their adaptations to aquatic and desert habitats and cold and windy regions. Feeding and feeding strategies take up 240 pages across seven chapters. In these, there is much information on insect–plant relationships, while other food substrates discussed include algae, fungi and lichens; vertebrates; insects and other invertebrates; and dung, soil and animal remains. Further chapters cover social insects and inquilines, and the penultimate chapter highlights four species notable for their migration. The last chapter, of just over 100 pages and entitled ‘classification and diversity of the southern African insect orders’, provides a valuable conspectus down to family level. To underline the diversity of insects in the subcontinent, and also the coverage of the book, 25 of the 28 insect orders and 550 families are represented.
The volume is clearly a must for anyone interested in or studying formally the rich diversity of insects in southern Africa. Professional entomologists everywhere will find its encyclopaedic coverage a valuable reference source. And given that it is full of so many examples, albeit from the African subcontinent, all entomologists and serious natural historians will value the many fascinating aspects of insect biology and ecological importance that enrich the pages.
This book is a tremendous achievement, the more so when one considers that it is the second, related, substantial volume that the authors have produced in short order, the first one having been published in 2021 (see Scholtz et al., 2021). Clarke Scholtz, the provider of the text, is emeritus professor of Entomology at the University of Pretoria and has broad experience both in the lab and the field. His co-author, Hennie de Klerk, a retired metallurgist, has spent much time photographing insects, plants and birds. His numerous macro-photographs are a key feature of this volume.
Given the extent of the coverage and its sheer size, the £65 price tag on this volume is surely a good deal. Its regional focus on southern Africa should not deter anyone with an interest in insects from getting a copy, for it provides an accessible read and a reference work that will last for years. It should appeal to anyone interested in insect biology, the extraordinary diversity of the habits of these animals and their ecological importance.
References Scholtz, C., Scholtz, J. & de Klerk, H. (2021) Pollinators, Predators & Parasites: the ecological roles of insects in southern Africa. Struik Nature, Cape Town.
