RECOMMENDED READING LIST
Aquatic invertebrate life encompasses many thousand species and there
are very many books dealing with specific groups, such as mayflies, leeches,
beetles etc. For almost every group there are dedicated books dealing with
their identification, far too many to list here. Croft is probably the most modern general work enabling you to identify
to group level, or taxon, made more useful by being relatively cheap and
also available for purchase at the Flatford centre. It is also often available
via the public libraries. Having improved in general identification of aquatic invertebrates you
will then move on during the course to look at the identification of certain
taxa (groups) to species level. Even within a particular taxon there are
sub-groups specialising in certain parts of the aquatic habitat. It is
for that reason that the following is recommended: This gives a good overview of the air / water interface, a part of the
aquatic environment surprisingly often overlooked. This is despite the
fact that much can be seen and many invertebrates identified at least
to group level with only a pair of binoculars without getting wet at
all. The book also contains some keys to species level and is also
reasonable in price. Again available from the Flatford centre and good
natural history bookshops. Let me also stress that it is not essential that
you read or have your own copy of any of the above. They are merely included
for those that wish to do some preparatory work. The course is designed
to let each improve his or her own existing knowledge and to learn from
each other in a stimulating and friendly environment.
It is for that reason that the books listed below are broader in scope
and hence most relevant to the beginner
Mellanby is older and out of print but may be available through the public
library system or second hand. It still contains a wealth of relevant information
coupled with good illustrations and copies will be provided for use during
the course.
