NEW ZEALAND COLEOPTERA

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 252, 21 July 1934, Page 19

NEW ZEALAND COLEOPTERA

Mr. G. V. Hudson’s Fine * Treatise on Beetles

“New Zealand Beetles,” by G. V. Hudson (Wellington: Ferguson and Osborn.) 1 - .

A new book by Mr. Hudson is an important event in the scientific world far beyond this little, country. Nevertheless, though not actually born in New Zealand, the author of “New Zealand Beetles” has been for so long our leading authority on entomological questions that New Zealanders may, naturally. be forgiven for claiming a special and proprietary interest in any book appearing , under his name.In his preface Mr. Hudson writes:— This book la an attempt to provide the general nature lover and the young collector with an elementary guide to the study of many of the more conspicuous types of beetles and their larvae, which are to bU met with in oiir forests and river valleys, amongst our mountains, and on our plains and sea coasts. ■ .

, Although over 4000 species of New Zealand beetles have already been described by gystematlsts, very little has, so far, been recorded as to their habits and life-his-tories, and nothing has yet been done to present the subject in a form attractive to beginners. The present volume, is designed to supply this want, and it is,hoped that its issue will result in an increased interest in beetle lore amongst our embryo naturalists. Moreover, various circumstances seem to Indicate that many years are likely to elapse before a really comprehensive treatise on -our .Coleop tera will be available, and for this reason the publication of an elementary work is all the more desirable at the present . The book has in reality a much wider appeal and interest, than the author’s characteristically modest introduction would lead one to suppose. '3 It' opens with a short historical section dealing with various past collections of New Zealand beetles,/ beginning with that made by the naturalists /who accompanied Captain/ .Cook in his first and second voyages round the world (176970 and 1773-34). ’; / /

This Is followed by articles on/the structure of beetles in general, metamorphosis, pupation and, - hibernation, classification and nomenclature, general characteristics and geographical affinities of'New Zealand beetles, and a short geological record. Chapter II deals with the actual work of collecting, mounting and "preserving beetles. Those familiar with Mr. Hudsbn’s other works, “Elementary Manual. Of New Zealand Entomology,” “New Zealand Neuroptera,” “The Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand.” etc., will not need to be told that his instructions, apart from being expressed with the utmost clearness and economy of words, are of an extremely practical eharacter, and that the simplest apparatus consistent with, the efficacy of the work in hand is always recommended. The young naturalist is advised .concerning special localities for collecting, and encouraged to break new ground in the hope of obtaining rare or hitherto unknown species. t..

The large number Of brief descriptions Of our most conspicuous beetles, their life-histories and habits here given will prove of much value In helping the beginner to identify an unfamiliar insect and in exciting his interest in further observation and Investigation. It is, of course, quite impossible, in a brief review, to do more than touch on the'many practical excellencies of this? work, but especial mention must be made of the seventeen admirably drawn and coloured plates, printed by Vauf and Crampton, England, which supplement the text. These, show, in many cases, the larva and pupa as well as the perfect insect. . Some, are highly magnified, and the exquisite delicacy of structure and colouring will cbme as a revelation to the layman who is accustomed to thinking of all beetles as dull and rather unpleasant creatures. That they are indeed “fearfully. and wonderfully made” is well exemplified by the representation of a species of weevil (Irtssiorrhyhchus , barbicarnls) ? which adorns the cover of the book. “New Zealand Beetles" will ; prove an Invaluable.addition to all libraries, but especially to-the libraries of schools. Mr.. Hudson has written primarily for the budding scientist, and especially for the person, or persons; who, in the future, will continue the work to which he is devoting his own life. The true scientist is very rare; born,-not made. The accuracy, sustained devotion, and tenacity of purpose demanded are beyond the power of the ordinary citizen. There are, however, many, particularly those of a philosophical turn of mind, who, finding an Interest and significance in life as a whole, may be inspired to widen their horizon by a knowledge of strange facts closely observed and accurately recorded,'and many follow, as far as In them lies the upward path to enlightenment.