When trying to choose the best insect reference book, you might begin by flipping through a few books to tell which is right for you. You may look for an insects field guide that covers a certain geographic area. You will also want to make sure that the guide book is durable, as well as portable. High-quality pictures, pertinent information, and ease of use are all important as well.
Many times, an insects field guide will include insects that are common in a certain region or state. You can choose a guide that includes insects that only live in your area. If you take a trip away from your home, however, you may want to invest in an insect reference guide that lists insects in the area you will be visiting.
A good insects field guide will be durable, so it can stand up to frequent page turning. Thick, glossy pages are often considered to be superior. Some insect guide books also have waterproof covers. This will help protect the pages from excessive moisture.
Portability is another thing to consider before buying an insects guide book. Large books may contain more information and detailed pictures, but they are typically harder to carry around with you. A small insects field guide is easier to transport, especially when camping. Typically, a book measuring 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) across will usually fit into a pocket.
An insects field guide should also have pictures. Ideally, these should be high-quality color pictures. Close ups are also recommended. Some books may even have more than one picture, each at a different angle.
The information written in an insects field guide should also be relevant and useful. It should list a brief description, including size and color, as well as the habitat of each insect. Some insect field guides also tell whether a certain insect is poisonous.
One of the biggest things that you should consider when choosing an insects field guide is whether the book is easy to use. Flip through the book, and try to determine how easy it is to find a certain insect. Descriptions should be listed under or next to pictures of the insects, and there should be an easy-to-use table of contents and index. Some insect field guides may even have color-coded pages, which make finding what you need even simpler.