Review
“Great news!! Ladybugs of Alberta is out in print. This magnificent book by our very own John Acorn is published by University of Alberta Press and is available ($29.95) at http://www.uap.ualberta.ca/UAP.asp?LID=41&bookID=682. John treats all 75 species of ladybugs in Alberta, including the little tiny ones that few people ever notice. This is more than three times as many species as his two other books in the series (Tiger Beetles and Damselflies) and the book is packed with plenty of original information that clearly makes this John’s most scholarly book to date. The style is highly readable, with excellent sections not only on the identification and life history of ladybugs (=ladybird beetles), but also thought-provoking essays on the way in which we think about “alien invaders” and use ladybugs in gardening. This is the first popular guide ever produced on ladybugs in North America, and is sure to have a huge impact well outside of Alberta. Ladybugs of Alberta is a treat all around. No one interested in natural history, entomology, gardening, or integrated pest management should be without it.” Felix Sperling, Curator, E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum, University of Alberta

"'Ladybugs are one of Alberta's most charismatic species for a simple reason,' says biologist John Acorn. 'They're simply cute!'...More specifically, ladybugs have rounded contours, short legs, big eyes and wonderful colour patterns....Between species, ladybugs vary -- most are red with black spots but others are black, orange, pink and yellow in colour. And their names, such as the lugubrious ladybug, the twice-stabbed ladybug and the poorly known ladybug, are just as diverse. Acorn's book is filled with information about each and photos..." Caitlin Crawshaw, Folio, May 11, 2007

"Words cannot express our joy!! We who are 'nature nuts' are bugged out about this new book. The staff here at the Police Point Nature Centre just can not wait to get our hands on the new book, and start checking out all the 'ladies.'" Valerie Martins, Nature Interpreter, Medicine Hat Interpretive Program

"This sort of book represents a real sea-change in entomology, and your ladybug book is sure to stimulate a whole new generation of bugwatchers." Steven Marshall, Professor, Environmental Biology, University of Guelph

"John, thanks for another great natural history book! Whether or not you're a 'beetle guy or gal,' John Acorn is worth a read. Science can be fun! So can conservation." Dan Stoker

"Hercules, blotch-backed, twice-stabbed, once squashed and flying saucer. The names are as evocative as they are unusual and an interesting if not surprising factoid in the world of the insects we know as 'ladybugs'....After reading Acorn¹s newest book, number three in his Alberta insect series, it is impossible to walk away thinking that the red ladybugs with the distinctive black dots are the end-all be-all of ladybugs. While they may be the more common ladybugs found in this region, saying 'seen one, seen 'em all', is so far from the truth it¹s like saying all alpine wildflowers are the same. In fact, the range and size of ladybugs is staggering. Some ladybugs are tiny, like the micro ladybug at 1.0 millimetre, and about the thickness of dime, while others are massive (at least by ladybug standards), like the wonderfully-named mealybug destroyer at 4.5 mm. They also come in a broad range of colours and patterns, beyond the red-and-black. Some are entirely black or, like the twice-stabbed ladybug, black with a red dot on each wing cover." Rob Alexander, Rocky Mountain Outlook, May 24, 2007

John Acorn will talk about bugs at the Ellis Bird Farm Bug Jamboree, August 11, 2007.

"As an author, John has incredible interpretive ability and his latest book explores an attractive yet poorly covered group — the ladybugs. This book abounds with John's excellent photographs as well a his engaging and entertaining writing style….'Introduced Ladybugs and Conservation,' is an exceptional piece on introduced species and how the effects on the native fauna can be overblown. He also presents a fresh perspective about how non-native species are demonized that I think all naturalists should read....Overall this is a book that should be on every naturalist's bookshelf whether or not they consider themselves entomologists. It is a rare example of a book that has the ability to inspire yong and old to become 'Nature Nuts'." Jason J. Dombroskie, Blue Jay, June 2007

"Have you ever dressed your child as a centipede for Halloween? Would you patronize a gardening store with a ten-foot fibreglass horsefly as its mascot? Would you delight in watching a grasshopper crawl up your arm? Likely not. But if I was instead speaking of ladybugs, it might be different....University of Alberta entomologist John Acorn begins Ladybugs of Alberta by exploring our rare affinity for ladybugs. The bulk of this field guide consists of colourful, detailed photos, illustrations and descriptions....But Ladybugs is more than a handy insect identifier; as the author notes, it's the first North American guide to ladybugs. Acorn writes passionately about ladybug life cycles and current ladybug research and even delves into some of the controversies surrounding invasive vs. native species....Acorn has an interesting take: 'The term "native" has no real meaning in biology,' he writes.'...there is no such thing as "the way nature intended.'" Acorn's exploration of a controversial topic gives this book unexpected depth." Evan Osenton, Alberta Views, September 2007

Book Description
“And despite what many people think, little ladybugs don’t grow up to be big ladybugs.”—John Acorn Everybody loves a ladybug and no one is more passionate about the dotted creatures than John Acorn, who has produced the first regional field guide for North American ladybugs. With colour photographs and illustrations on 70 different species, Acorn guides readers to discover rare and unique ladybugs found in Alberta. The author also explores the effect that both humans and introduced species have on ladybugs’ habitat and survival. Whether a bug-loving kid, nature-walk enthusiast, or a professional entomologist, readers will find ladybug identification both easy and fun. “John Acorn knows his beetles.” —Dr. John Obrycki, Professor and Chair, Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky “…a delightfully readable style…” —Dr. Natalia J. Vandenberg, Entomologist, United States Department of Agriculture

From the Back Cover
“Despite what many people think, little ladybugs don’t grow up to be big ladybugs.” —John Acorn Everybody loves a ladybug, and no one is more passionate about these spotted creatures than John Acorn, who has produced this, the first regional ladybug field guide in North America. With comprehensive maps, colour photographs, and illustrations of 75 different species, Acorn educates readers on the beauty and diversity of ladybugs in Alberta. He also explains the impact that introduced species have had on these remarkably diverse insects. Professional entomologists, bug-loving kids, and nature-walk enthusiasts will find ladybug identification enjoyable and rewarding with Acorn’s combination of expertise and humour. "John Acorn knows his beetles…" —John J. Obrycki, Professor and Chair, Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky “…a delightfully readable style…” —Natalie J. Vandenberg, Entomologist, U.S. Department of Agriculture John Acorn, a lifelong Albertan, lives in Edmonton with his wife Dena and their two boys, Jesse and Benjamin. When John isn’t chasing ladybugs, he can be found lecturing at the University of Alberta, working with the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, or addressing a variety of scientific and naturalist groups across North America.

About the Author
John Acorn is a writer, broadcaster, and entomologist. He lives in Edmonton with his wife Dena and sons Jesse and Ben.