From beetles to flies, termites to mantises, meet the creepy, crawly critters that make up some of the world's estimated thirty million insect species! The Little Book of Insects, part of the Little Library of Natural History, introduces kids to some of the world's most common types of insects with details about their habitats, diets, behaviors, and more. Insects play an important role in the world around us. After all, they are a major source of food for animals, they help pollinate plants, and they even aerate the soil. They might just be the hardest working creatures on the planet! Gorgeous vintage artwork by some of the world's most enduring nature illustrators fill this irresistible volume. From the book: The beetles that we see today have been around for 230 million years. They make up the largest group of living organisms on earth and are found worldwide (except for polar regions). There are three distinct features to look for when identifying a beetle. First, its wing coverings are on its back; these covers, called elytra, look like a hard shell. Next, look for chewing mouthparts, or mandibles, on the underside of its head. Yes, beetles chew their food! Lastly, beetles have six legs spread out between their front and back body segments. If you count a number other than six for legs, then your bug is not a beetle!