Japan's Bees, Wasps & Ants

About this book

A carpenter bee booming over the wisteria, a paper-wasp comb under the eaves, hornets holding court at a summer sap tree, an ant column crossing the forest path — Japan's bees, wasps and ants are the most encountered and least understood wildlife in the country. This complete guide gives you 200 accounts in one uniform, honest format: identification, habitat and range, seasons and life, and watch-don't-disturb watching with calm, practical safety for every single one. It covers the whole order Hymenoptera — honey bees and bumblebees, solitary bees, hornets and paper wasps, spider wasps and jewel wasps, the vast hidden world of parasitoid wasps, sawflies, and the ants from carpenter giants to the samurai slave-maker. Species groups, nests and watching places are clearly labelled, introduced species are flagged, and every account reminds you to verify current facts and official warnings with official sources. Learn to watch the insect order that runs Japan's pollination, pest control and forest floors — safely, closely, and without disturbing a single nest.