Wasps : their biology, diversity, and role as beneficial insects and pollinators of native plants / Heather Holm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction. Why wasps? -- All about wasps -- Wasp life cycles -- Wasp anatomy -- Wasp diet -- Ecosystem services provided by wasps -- Crabronidate : square-headed wasps -- Sphecidae : thread-waisted wasps -- Pompilidae : spider wasps -- Sapygidae : club-horned cuckoo wasps -- Scoliidae : scoliid wasps -- Thynnidae : thynnid wasps -- Eumeninae : potter and mason wasps -- Vespinae : yellowjackets and hornets -- Polistinae : paper wasps -- Chrysididae : cuckoo wasps -- Leucospidae : chalcid wasps -- Gasteruptiidae : carrot wasps -- Eastern North American planting guide.

"WASPS is the first full-color, illustrated guide featuring approximately 150 species of flower-visiting wasps that occur in eastern North America, and the specific native plants and habitat each species depends upon. Written with an ecological lens, this richly-illustrated book details wasp diversity and has full-page profiles for each wasp species that include identification tips, geographic range maps, biology, prey, natural history and habitat. Five introductory chapters cover wasp taxonomy, nesting biology, prey-hunting behaviors, diet, anatomy, as well as wasp habitat enhancement and management, and the ecosystem services provided by wasps--insect pest population control and pollination. Profiles of each wasp species comprise the major part of the book and are organized by family, showcasing twelve families and sixty-eight wasp genera. Also included are eastern North American regional native plant guides, tips on wasp observation, and over 1000 stunning photographs. This is an essential book for conservationists, naturalists, insect enthusiasts, biologists, nature photographers, native plant aficionados, and anyone interested in beneficial insects and pollinators."--Page [4] of cover.