Fairyflies of the British Isles (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Mymaridae) (Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects)

Description:

A handbook to the identification of British and Irish Fairyflies (Mymaridae). Presenting a clear introduction to the group, their classification and taxonomic history. As well as guidelines for collecting, preservation methods, and ways to photograph them. A detailed morphological section will be included with illustrations and any information which is currently known about habitats, behaviour, and biology.

Mymaridae are the smallest winged insects on the planet, and some fall into the realm of 'dark taxa', making them very difficult to identify without molecular work and dissection. However, there are many easily recognisable and beautiful species here in the UK and Ireland, and with some enhanced magnification most of these Fairyflies can be identified using the resources in this handbook. The authors will be providing a key, detailed descriptions and images of the 19 genera within the family Mymaridae. With further identification keys to the 100+ species of the British Isles, alongside annotated morphological illustrations with a full glossary of terminology used in the publication. The book will contain a full list of references for further reading and resources for all interested readers.

The subject and contents will appeal to entomologists, as well as academics, students of natural sciences, insect enthusiasts, naturalists, natural history societies, ecologists, taxonomists, recorders, microscopists, overseas readers the UK and IRE species list will be comparable to much of Europe and Palaearctic region and will appeal to the global Hymenopterist in general). Also appealing to museum personnel, Illustrators and photographers - many of the images captured use 'extreme' macrophotography techniques (a subject in itself with growing interest).