Insects such as cockroaches, mosquitoes and bed-bugs are usually not highly sought amongst travellers or recreationists, yet each year, collectors, butterfly enthusiasts, dragonfly-hunters and apiarists collect, visit, document and raise insects for recreational purposes. Illustrating a range of human-insect encounters from an interdisciplinary perspective, this book provides the first insight into the booming industry of insect recreation. Case studies and examples demonstrate the appeal of insects, ranging from the captivating beauty of butterflies to the curious fascination of locust swarms, and challenge the notion that animals lacking anthropomorphic features hold little or no interest for humans. Throughout the book, the emphasis is on the innovators, the educators, the dedicated researchers and activists who, through collaboration across fields ranging from entomology to sociology and anthropology, have brought insects from the recreational fringes to the forefront of many conservation and leisure initiatives.

'Lemelin has successfully assembled experts in the area of insects, recreation and tourism in this highly informative book on human-insect dynamics. The wide array of carefully chosen case studies will appeal to readers wishing to understand the deep significance of our encounters with insects. The book is sure to change the mind of anyone who has not thought of incorporating insects into their leisure activities and to further inform the millions that already do participate in insect-related recreation. This is a fascinating, much needed interdisciplinary look at not only activities such as butterfly watching and dragonfly hunting, but also their connection to larger issues of biodiversity and conservation.'

Diane M. Rodgers - Northern Illinois University

'I think Raynald Lemelin has succeeded in encapsulating the human dimensions that can influence insect recreation and conservation. Hopefully this book will change many minds among those persons who have never considered adding the wonderful and bewildering world of insects to their routine leisure activities, with some even becoming active citizen scientists.'

Boris C. Kondratieff Source: Biological Conservation

'The text is information-rich and fascinating for insect enthusiasts … the volume succeeds in doing what it set out to do and will be a worthwhile contribution to the library of anyone interested in the topic of insects as recreation.'

Source: Conservation Biology