Bugwatching: The Art, Joy, and Importance of Observing Insects by Eric R. Eaton

Discover the pleasures of watching insects with this fun, informative, and marvelously illustrated how-to guide

Insects are the most abundant wildlife on the planet--but also the least observed. This incisive field companion highlights the basic tools for watching insects with all of our senses, covers some best habitats and circumstances for seeing the most diversity, and shares tips for attracting desirable insects to your yard and garden. With wonderful illustrations by Samantha Gallagher, Bugwatching explains why this rewarding activity is for everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity, level of affluence, ability, or disability. When you become a bugwatcher, you join a community of supportive and energetic people. The potential for personal and scientific discovery is virtually limitless.

• Enables you to better appreciate and understand insects and improve your success rate in finding, watching, and identifying them
• Includes a comprehensive treatment of insect behaviors that is invaluable for beginners
• Discusses social bugwatching and participation in community science projects
• Covers advanced topics such as rearing insects and using keys to identify them
• Explains how watching insects can fill gaps in our knowledge about their economic impacts and the growing decline in insect diversity and abundance
• Promotes safety, accessibility, and inclusion as vital aspects of watching insects
• An essential guide for seasoned bugwatchers and newcomers to the community

"An excellent resource for educators such as school teachers, parents, grandparents and everyone open to learning more about the threats to all life if insects are lost from our planet." ---Ann Chilcott, The BeeListener


"If you're human, you should read [this book]. . . . [Eric Eaton] shows us how we can learn more about our ubiquitous companions, and why we should. Best of all, he shares specific instructions on how to find, watch, and identify insects just about anywhere you happen to be." ---Rusty Burlew, American Bee Journal

Eric R. Eaton is a naturalist and writer whose books include Insectpedia: A Brief Compendium of Insect Lore and Wasps: The Astonishing Diversity of a Misunderstood Insect (both Princeton). He runs the blogs Bug Eric and Sense of Misplaced. Samantha Gallagher is an artist and illustrator who specializes in insects.

Princeton University Press

Pub Date: July 22, 2025

0.6" H x 8.0" L x 5.1" W

192 pages

paperback