The Pocket Guide to the Insects of Costa Rica reveals the sheer number and diversity of insects and arthropods of the tropics. Every square meter of rainforest and cloud forest in Costa Rica offers up multitudes of gemlike tiny creatures with enough wonders to keep an entomologist busy for a lifetime. But given that Costa Rica is home to potentially more than 250,000 species--the majority of which have yet to be named--where to begin?

This Pocket Guide helps orient those new to the insect world, featuring the species that one would most likely encounter on a walk through the forests of Costa Rica. Individual species accounts offer key physical characteristics, along with fascinating natural history information, while range maps offer further clues to help identify the insect that has just landed on your trail way. Finally, there are the stunning photos--a happy reminder of your time spent in the wilds of Costa Rica.

Paul E. Hanson is Professor of Biology at the University of Costa Rica and coauthor of Insects and Other Arthropods of Tropical America.

Kenji Nishida is an entomologist and photographer who divides his time between Costa Rica and Japan. He is coauthor of Insects and Other Arthropods of Tropical America.

Ángel Solĺs is a researcher at the National Museum of Costa Rica and one of the country's foremost experts on beetles.