Bug Discovery

The Secret Lives of Backyard Bugs has quickly become a family favorite.  OK, really just Phoebe and I are obsessed with it, but we have been sharing our new found knowledge with the rest of the family and they seem appreciative. 

The book is filled with great, close-up shots of a variety of bugs that you might find in your very own backyard.  We took it to our cabin in Arkansas and were amazed the recent discoveries.

First, we saw this crazy thing.  Is it a leaf with legs?  Quickly, we consulted the Secret Life of Backyard Bugs and found that it was a katydid.  Very similar to a grasshopper.

These little dragonfly-like bugs are everywhere on the river.  Are they dragonflies?  No, they are damselflies.  We found a handy chart that compared the dragonfly and damselfly and made a positive ID.

Next, this big moth hung out on a window all weekend.  Have you ever seen one before?  The Comparison Guide led us to discover that it's a luna moth.  The comparison guides might be my favorite part of the book.  There are guides for every stage of insects from eggs to adult. 

The Secret Lives of Backyard Bugs is the kind of book you want to have around.  Great for kids and adults alike, easy to use, and full of great information.  While the book was sent to me by Storey Publishing (the publisher of Sewing School), I was super excited about it and would want it for my home or classroom.