Insect Day: A Story of 24 Hours and 24 Hexapod Lives

"[I]nformative and humorous, both a hymn of praise to her favorite creatures and a gleeful attempt to give readers the willies.” * New York Times, on McAlister's The Secret Life of Flies * “[A] master raconteur. . . . McAlister has a way with words, and a way of blending human history with natural history that makes the pages turn with pleasure.” * American Naturalist, on McAlister's Metamorphosis * “In her latest book, Erica McAlister reminds us just how profoundly insects outnumber us—ants alone exceed humans by an astonishing 2.5 million to one. By pairing a single insect species with each hour of the day, she crafts a brilliant framework for exploring 24 extraordinary lives that are so often misunderstood or ignored. Brought vividly to life by Natalie McIntyre’s stunning illustrations, Insect Day is immersive, surprising, often funny, and quietly radical in its celebration of the small creatures that truly run the world.” -- Chris Stelzig, Executive Director, Entomological Society of America “Insect Day shines a light on insect species from around the world, taking one hour at a time. Beautifully illustrated by Natalie McIntyre with stories composed by Erica McAlister, an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, it is meticulous in its scientific accuracy, ranging from insect behavior, communication, genetics to chemical ecology. Impeccably researched and including a compensative list of key references, it will be a valuable addition to any entomologist’s library––budding or professional. If you’re fascinated by insects and their stories, this book is a must have.” -- Simon Ward, CEO, Royal Entomological Society "Erica McAlister's Insect Day certainly made my day. A beautifully written and exquisitely illustrated introduction to the beguiling lives of insects. Irresistible and highly recommended. I devoured it faster than a lacewing larva sucks the juices out of a caterpillar." -- George McGavin