AT: Common Insects of Texas and Surrounding States

Presentation Description:

Thanks to its size and geographic position, Texas is home to nearly 30,000 species of insects, likely making its insect population the most diverse in the nation. Ranging from eastern and western to temperate and tropical species, this vast array of insects can be difficult to identify. In Common Insects of Texas and Surrounding States, John and Kendra Abbott have created the state’s most comprehensive field guide to help readers recognize and understand these fascinating creatures.

Containing 1,300 species and more than 2,700 photographs, this guide offers a wealth of information about the characteristics and behaviors of Texas’s insects. Each chapter introduces an order with a discussion of general natural history and a description of other qualities helpful in distinguishing its various species, while every species’ entry provides a state map showing where it is most likely to be found, a key displaying its seasonal distribution, information about its habitat, and corresponding photos. Featuring colored tabs for quick reference, a glossary, and information about other arthropods, this guide is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to identify and learn more about the many insects of Texas. (https://www.abbottnature.com/about/ ).

Note: This book will be on sale at our Wildscapes Workshop in September, 2021.

Biographical information:

John and Kendra are professional nature photographers, educators and outdoor enthusiasts based in Tuscaloosa, AL. John has focused on dragonflies and damselflies throughout much of his career and has written
three books on these beautiful subjects that contain much of our photography. Kendra is an ecologist and focused on endangered species and conservation issues much of her career.

Among the many projects John and Kendra are currently working on, they are revising the Peterson Field Guide to Insects of North America and writing a field guide to the Common Insects of Texas. They have had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Latin America, Africa and other parts of the world where they enjoy taking photos of pretty much anything in the natural world. They feel lucky enough to be able to teach and excite others about the amazing biodiversity they have been able to observe through their travels and photography together.

John is currently the Chief Curator and Director of Research and Collections at The University of Alabama.
Kendra is Research and Outreach Coordinator for the Alabama Museum of Natural History.