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  BK50.85

The Waterbug Book

Freshwater macroinvertebrates provide a useful and reliable indicator of the health of our rivers, streams, ponds and wetlands.  Here, for the first time, is a comprehensive and accurate identification guide to the animals that inhabit our freshwaters.

The Waterbug Book contains an easy-to-use key to all macroinvertebrate groups and includes high quality colour photographs of live specimens.  It provides a wealth of basic information on the biology of macroinvertebrates, and describes the SIGNAL method for assessing river health.

As environmental awareness within the community increases, there is an increasing interest in the need to assess the health of our local waterways, and school curriculums are changing to reflect this important ecological trend.  The Waterbug Book is full of practical tips about where to find various animals and what their presence indicates about their environment.

Features
  • Easy-to-use key to macroinvertebrate groups

  • First book to feature more than 300 colour photographs of live specimens

  • 120 diagrams

  • Comprehensive glossary

Readership

The Waterbug Book is ideal for all involved in water monitoring projects:

·         Waterwatch and Streamwatch groups

·         Students at all levels

·         Amateur naturalists and fly fishing enthusiasts

·         Professional environmental scientists who need a quick reference

Reviews

“The authors write with authority and just the right lightness of touch.  The colour pictures (more than 350) of live creatures are excellent. … A superb example of scientific publishing for a broad readership.”

The Australian   7th August   2002

"The Waterbug Book is simple but leads quickly to some demands; application, as always, brings rewards.  But the authors invite a flip through the photos as an easy way to identify some common waterbugs. … What a lovely little book!"

The Age   29th August   2002

About the Authors

John Gooderham and Edward Tsyrlin are freshwater ecologists who have spent their professional lives working with waterbugs as researchers, authors, consultants and teachers.  John Gooderham lectures internationally and has been involved in a number of community education programs in Victoria and Tasmania.  Edward Tsyrlin works as a professional taxonomist and acts as Waterwatch Coordinator for the Merri Creek Management Committee.  His strong interest in macro-photography provided the original motivation for this book.