The Brentidae (Coleoptera) of Northern Europe

Book excerpt: Brentid beetles are in Northern Europe practically equivalent to the speciose genus Apion, a group of small, rostrate, phytophagous beetles of weevil-like appearance, but easily separated from genuine curculionid weevils by the short scape to the antennae. This book, written by one of the foremost experts on European Apion, identifies and describes the 134 species of brentids known from the British Isles and Continental Europe north of 52 (0)N. For each species is given up-to-date information on the taxonomy, nomenclature, distribution, life habits, food plants and parasites. Occurrence by provinces is documented for the 94 species found in Fennoscandia and Denmark. The introductory part provides general information on the group's taxonomic history, morphology of all life stages, life history and economic importance, and some practical hints on how to collect, preserve and identify specimens. The book is richly illustrated with original line drawings by the author and eight plates showing no less than 58 representative species skillfully depicted in colour by the coleopterist, Dr Michael Hansen. Additional features include lists of food plants and parasites, an extensive list of literature and an index.