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Bookscompiled by Klaas Reißmann and Christoph Benisch |
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With this page we want to provide some tips on good books and literature, relevant for coleopterists, interested hobbyists as well as nature observers interested in beetles.
The compilation contains both books on general topics as well as special and determination literature. A few of the books presented are sold out and it can be even difficult
to obtain them from antiquarian book stores. Nevertheless, we will also present these here.
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Reproduction of the book covers and double pages with written permission of the respective publisher. |
SPITZENBERG, D., SCHÖNE, A., KLAUSNITZER, B., MALCHAU, W.
Die wasserbewohnenden Käfer Sachsen-AnhaltsErscheinungsjahr: 2021Natur + Text, ISBN 978-3-942062-50-3
The water-dwelling beetles, including the families Gyrinidae, Haliplidae, Dytiscidae, Hydrophilidae and others, elude nature observers due to their aquatic lifestyle compared to "popular" families such as the flower-visiting longhorn beetles and leaf beetles. It is all the more gratifying that the State Office for Environmental Protection Saxony-Anhalt has now published the atlas "The water-dwelling beetles of Saxony-Anhalt" at the publisher Natur + Text. The author Dietmar Spitzenberg in collaboration with Andreas Schöne, Prof. Dr. Dr. Bernhard Klausnitzer and Dr. Werner Malchau has bundled the knowledge gained so far about the distribution, ecology and endangerment of this heterogeneous group of insects in Saxony-Anhalt in a compact, clear and richly illustrated form on 772 pages. After introductory chapters on water beetle research and its history in Saxony-Anhalt, on the project fundamentals and on the area of study, the main part of the work extends over 664 pages with more than 300 species profiles. In addition to high-resolution habitus photographs, the profiles contain detailed descriptions of distribution, characteristics, ecological preference and occurrence in Saxony-Anhalt. A final chapter on endangerment and protective measures rounds off the successful work. Highly recommended for professionals and nature lovers alike. Especially for the latter, the book can be a good incentive to deal more intensively with the aquatic and thus hidden living representatives of the Coleoptera. 772 pages. |
RHEINHEIMER, J., HASSLER, M.
Die Blattkäfer Baden-WürttembergsYear of publication: 2018Kleinsteuber BOOKS, ISBN 978-3-9818110-2-5
With 451 species in Baden-Württemberg and 543 species in Germany, the leaf and seed beetles form the third largest beetle group in our fauna. After 8 years of preparation, the authors have now published the first comprehensive monograph of the leaf beetles of Germany in 120 years. Similar to the monograph "Die Rüsselkäfer Baden-Württembergs", the volume starts of with an extensive introduction to morphology, systematics, development, habitats as well as threat levels and protection of leaf beetles. The systematic section is the highlight of the book, comprising all 543 species of the German fauna, with a chapter on lifestyle, ecology, host plants, parasitoids, economic importance, distribution and endangerment for each species. More than 80% of the species are illustrated with beautiful life photos. Determination keys, 82 plates with high quality photos of mounted specimens and an extensive literature index round off the excellent work. Highly recommended and a must for every serious coleopterist, nature enthusiast and interested amateur alike. 928 pages, more than 1000 photos, 82 plates. |
TRAUTNER, J. (Hrsg.)
Die Laufkäfer Baden-Württembergs (2 Bd.)Year of publication: 2017Ulmer Verlag, ISBN 978-3-8001-0380-5
Ground beetles are one of the most speciose beetle families of the world, comprising more than 560 species in Germany and 429 species in Baden-Württemberg. The present volume introduces all ground beetle species with live photos and contemporary distribution maps. The general introduction covers biology of ground beetles, their importance as indicators and methods for monitoring, determination and archival storage and is kept concise. The special section focuses on the distribution of the species in natural landscapes, their habitat requirements and protection measures. Most species portraits show excellent live photos as well as typical habitats. In the synoptical section, protection measures relating to the respective habitat types and the general risk situation are discussed. The elaborate work, compiled with an incredible depth of expertise, is indispensable for everybody involved in ground beetle studies in the context of environmental protection and landscape management. 2 volumes, 848 pages, 692 color photos, 43 diagrams, 457 distribution maps, 29 tables. |
NIEHUIS, M.
Die Buntkäfer in Rheinland-Pfalz und im SaarlandYear of publication: 2013GNOR Eigenverlag, ISBN 978-3-9807669-7-5
The recently published book on the Checkered Beetles of Rhineland-Palatinate and the Saarland provides an excellent overview of the distribution characteristics, development, behavior, phenology and ecology of the family. Further chapters shed light on clerid researchers and their work, aspects of cultural history and the relevance of the Checkered beetles to humans as they are important natural predators of wood-destroying beetles, both in forests and in constructional timbers. Renowned experts have contributed articles on systematics, fossil record and an illustrated key to the larval stages. Biology, ecology and development are described in detail and illustrated with excellent photos of numerous photographers. The threat situation of the species is described and suggestions for their protection are given. This book is not only a must for coleopterists, but for anyone interested in the faunistics of these Federal States. But also conservationists and foresters, hobby photographers and nature lovers of any kind find many aspects worth knowing. 684 pages, 900 color photographs, distribution maps and phenograms of all species. |
RHEINHEIMER, J., HASSLER, M.
Die Rüsselkäfer Baden-WürttembergsYear of publication: 2010verlag regionalkultur, ISBN 978-3-89735-608-5
With nearly 800 species the weevils are among the most speciose families in Baden-Württemberg. Their lifestyle varies from volant, colorful, acrodendric species to nonvolant, well camouflaged species, burrowing in the ground. The beetles and their larvae live on various plants, rarely in fungi. The present volume is richly illustrated with high quality photographs and color tables of mounted specimen. It describes the most important habitats of the domestic species and protection measures are discussed. All weevil species known to occur in Baden-Württemberg are presented in detail. In the chapters on the species their lifestyle, distribution and endangerment is outlined. Together with its determination keys the highly recommendable book serves as an excellent aid for determination, not only for experts, but also for interested laypersons. 944 pages, 1085 color photographs, 82 color tables. |
BRECHTEL, F., KOSTENBADER, H. et. al.
Die Pracht- und Hirschkäfer Baden-WürttembergsYear of publication: 2002Ulmer Verlag, ISBN 3-8001-3526-4
This is so far the only book about beetles from the very beautiful and elaborately designed Baden-Württemberg-series. A large number of entomologists contributed the well-researched material. 632 pages about everything worth knowing about Jewel Beetles and Stag Beetles that ever have been reported from Baden-Württemberg. Very nice design with 306 color photographs, 180 maps, 86 distribution maps and 30 tables. Highly recommended, for beginners as well as for professionals. |
NIEHUIS, M.
Die Bockkäfer in Rheinland-Pfalz und im SaarlandYear of publication: 2001GNOR Eigenverlag, ISBN 3-9807669-0-X
A very elaborately designed book similar to the Baden-Württemberg-series. Manfred Niehuis has researched very meticulously. Every Longhorn Beetle that has ever been reported from Rhineland-Palatinate and the Saarland is described in detail. In addition to an enormous amount of images, there are tables, distribution maps and a lot of general information about the Longhorn Beetles of Germany. In the special part each species is treated individually, and the reader gets insight into the history of discovery of the species for these provinces, as well as information on the development, frequency and everything one probably wants to know about these beetles and perhaps should know. 604 pages with many distribution maps, tables and photographs, colorful illustrations. Highly recommended, for beginners as well as for professionals. |
NIEHUIS, M.
Die Prachtkäfer in Rheinland-Pfalz und im SaarlandYear of publication: 2004GNOR Eigenverlag, ISBN 3-937783-04-0
A very elaborately designed book similar to the Baden-Württemberg-series. Manfred Niehuis has researched very meticulously. Each species of Jewel Beetles that was ever reported from Rhineland-Palatinate and the Saarland, even if it was only introduced into the area or if it was only wrong determined, is described. In addition to an enormous amount of images, there are tables, distribution maps and a lot of general information about the Jewel Beetles of Germany. In the special part each species is treated individually, and the reader gets insight into the history of discovery of the species for these provinces, as well as information on the development, frequency and everything one probably wants to know about these beetles and perhaps should know. 712 pages with many distribution maps, tables and photographs, colorful illustrations. Highly recommended, for beginners as well as for professionals. |
LÜCKMANN, J., NIEHUIS, M.
Die Ölkäfer in Rheinland-Pfalz und im SaarlandYear of publication: 2009GNOR Eigenverlag, ISBN 978-3-9807669-4-4
Continuation of the series by Dr. Manfred Niehuis in collaboration with Dr. Johannes Lückmann. Incredibly meticulous and very accurately collected data. The incredible amount of work that was done for this book becomes apparent, if the reader considers, that the two authors by collecting data of just 15 different ever reported blister beetles from Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland brought together enough information to publish a book with at least 480 (!) pages. The special part deals with all species of the family Meloidae that have ever been reported from the region. At the end there is a determination part for both the beetles of the family of Germany, as well as for their first instar larvae. 480 pages, many photos, drawings and maps. Highly recommended and almost a must for every serious coleopterist occupied with blister beetles. |
BENSE, U.
Bockkäfer, illustrierter Schlüssel zu den Cerambyciden und Vesperiden EuropasYear of publication: 1995Margraf Verlag, ISBN 3-8236-1153-4 (hardcover), ISBN 3-8236-1154-2 (paperback)
Very richly illustrated guide book about the Longhorn Beetles of Europe. It does not address the Longhorn Beetles of the genus Dorcadion, since their species status is often not sure. The left side is written in German, the right side in English. Therefore the book is not only a win for the German users. 512 pages, illustrations in black and white. An excellent book, but rather for the specialist. |
GERSTMEIER, R.
Buntkäfer, illustrierter Schlüssel zu den Cleriden der West-PaläarktisYear of publication: 1998Margraf Verlag, ISBN 3-8236-1175-5
Very richly illustrated guide book for the determination of the Checkered Beetles of Europe and North Africa. The left side is written in German, the right side in English. Therefore the book is not only a win for the German users. 241 pages, illustrations in black and white, at the end of the book you'll find eight color plates with 16 species depicted each. An excellent book, but rather for the specialist. |
TRAUTNER, J., GEIGENMUELLER, K.
Sandlaufkäfer, Laufkäfer, illustrierter Schlüssel zu den Cicindeliden und Carabiden EuropasYear of publication: 1987Margraf Verlag, ISBN 3-924333-04-1 (paperback) oder ISBN 3-924333-05-X (hardcover)
Very richly illustrated guide book for the determination for the tiger beetles and ground beetles of Europe. It does not cover some large and very difficult genera such as Amara, Bembidion and some more, and it is limited to the identification of the species of a genera in the Central European fauna, such as the genus Pterostichus for example. The left side is written in German, the right side in English. Therefore the book is not only a win for the German users. 488 pages, illustrations in black and white. An excellent book, but rather for the specialist. |
HANNIG, K., OLTHOFF, M., WITTJEN, K., ZIMMERMANN, T.
Die Tiere, Pflanzen und Pilze des Truppenübungsplatzes Haltern-BorkenbergeYear of publication: 2009Abhandlungen aus dem Westfälischen Museum für Naturkunde, 71. Jahrgang, Heft 3, ISBN 978-3-940726-05-6
A wonderful work on the military training area Borkenberge near Haltern in Westphalia. Over several years, Karsten Hannig has been searching not only for ground beetles, but for various beetles and other invertebrates, small vertebrates and plants, too. He managed to bring together specialists of various categories that have participated in the creation of the work, so that a very comprehensive book has been created on the fauna and flora of this military training area in Westphalia. Maybe not just for the specialist. Only in German. 556 pages with numerous tables and pictures. Photos partly in color. |
ZAHRADNÍK, J., CHVÁLA, F.
Insekten - Handbuch und Führer der Insekten EuropasYear of publication: 1997Bechtermünz Verlag, ISBN 3-86047-738-2
The Zahradník/Chvála is an excellent illustrated book on the European insect fauna with a large number of beautiful, large sized photos of various insects. Besides the beetles, also representatives of other orders of insects, e.g. butterflies, dragonflies, crickets, bugs and hymenopterans are covered. The species are introduced with a very detailed text easy to read for everyone. All in all a very successful work, able to arouse first interest in entomology. |
HARDE, K. W., SEVERA, F.
Der Kosmos-KäferführerYear of publication: 1984Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH, ISBN 3-440-05382-2
With 1080 excellent color drawings of beetles by F. Severa, the "Kosmos-Käferführer" is a nicely illustrated field guide to the beetles of the Central European Fauna. The species are briefly described with habitat requirement and information on their lifestyle. The book does not contain any determination keys and does not claim to be an exhaustive treatment of the Central European beetle Fauna. For each genus the number of species contained is mentioned. The "Kosmos-Käferführer" is aimed at interested nature observers and beginners in coleopterology, helping the latter on their initial steps in the science. |
DU CHATENET, G.
Coléoptères d'Europe - Carabes, Carabiques et DytiquesYear of publication: 2005N.A.P Editions, ISBN 2-913688-05-5
The Frenchman Gaetan du Chatenet is actually less coleopterist and much more an artist. In many hours of meticulous work in the museum of Paris, he painted an enormous amount of mounted specimen of the European beetle species from the families Rhysodidae, Carabidae (including Cicindelinae and Paussinae) Noteridae, Dytiscidae, Gyrinidae in a lovingly detailed manner. In the middle of the book one can find 31 color plates with nice illustrations of a large number of beetle species. In the sections enclosing the color plates the species are treated with a short but informative text description. Du Chatenet sets great store by good descriptions of the species, information on habitats and living conditions, activity time and information about the distribution of each species, mostly shown on a small map of Europe. It is augmented by a very good text with a lot of general information on beetle science (methods of catching beetles, interior and exterior morphology, larval forms and others). A beautiful book and recommended for everyone. Only in French. 625 pages, 31 color plates, numerous very precise black-and-white drawings, hardcover. |
DU CHATENET, G.
Coléoptères Phytophages d'EuropeYear of publication: 2000N.A.P Editions, ISBN 2-913688-03-9
The Frenchman Gaetan du Chatenet is actually less coleopterist and much more an artist. In many hours of meticulous work in the museum of Paris, he painted an enormous amount of mounted specimen of the European beetle species from the families Cleridae, Derodontidae, Lymexylonidae, Elateridae, Cerophytidae, Eucnemidae, Throscidae, Lissomidae, Cebrionidae, Buprestidae und Cerambycidae (the Vesperidae still as subfamily Vesperinae within Cerambycidae). In the middle of the book one can find 43 color plates with nice illustrations of a large number of beetle species. In the sections enclosing the color plates the species are treated with a short but informative text description. Du Chatenet sets great store by good descriptions of the species, information on habitats or living conditions, activity time and information about the distribution of each species, mostly shown on a small map of Europe. It is augmented by a very good text with a lot of general information on beetle science (methods of catching beetles, interior and exterior morphology, larval forms and others). A beautiful book and recommended for everyone. Only in French. 259 pages, 43 color plates, numerous very precise black-and-white drawings, hardcover. |
DU CHATENET, G.
Coléoptères Phytophages d'Europe, Tome 2, ChrysomelidaeYear of publication: 2002N.A.P Editions, ISBN 2-913688-04-7
The Frenchman Gaetan du Chatenet is actually less coleopterist and much more an artist. In many hours of meticulous work in the museum of Paris, he painted an enormous amount of mounted specimen of the European beetle species from the family Chrysomelidae. In the middle of the book one can find 35 color plates with nice illustrations of a large number of beetle species. In the sections enclosing the color plates the species are treated with a short but informative text description. Du Chatenet sets great store by good descriptions of the species, information on habitats or living conditions, activity time and information about the distribution of each species, mostly shown on a small map of Europe. It is augmented by a very good text with a lot of general information on beetle science (methods of catching beetles, interior and exterior morphology, larval forms and others). A beautiful book and recommended for everyone. Only in French. 258 pages, 35 color plates, numerous very precise black-and-white drawings, hardcover. |
REITTER, E.
Fauna Germanica - Die Käfer des deutschen ReichesYear of publication: 1908K.G. Lutz' Verlag 5 volumes with determinations keys for the beetle fauna of the former German Reich in 1908. Although largely outdated in virtually all beetle families, the "Reitter" is nevertheless suitable as an entry point into working with determination keys. The keys are augmented by color plates, displaying a large number of species. Even today, the "Reitter" can be obtained from antiquarian book shops. For the beginner, the "Reitter" is a much lower investment compared to the Freude-Harde-Lohse, the standard determination key today. Moreover, as the "Reitter" has run out of copyright, it is completely available on the internet. |
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FREUDE, H., HARDE, K. W., LOHSE, G. A.
Die Käfer MitteleuropasYear of publication: 1965-1998Goecke & Evers Verlag, ISBN 3-334-61035-7
15 volumes for the determination of the beetle species reported from Central Europe. In 1964 the first volume of this multi-volume work was published
under the names of the initial three authors, Dr. Heinz FREUDE, Dr. Karl Wilhelm HARDE and Dr. Gustav Adolf LOHSE. Over the years more authors joined the project, consequently the
number of volumes of "Die Käfer Mitteleuropas" increased to 11 in 1983, and covered almost the complete Central European beetle fauna. Meanwhile the first volumes were already out
of date, as from the beginning in1964 to 1983 a lot of changes happened in beetle nomenclature. Consequently the new knowledge about beetles of Central Europe was published in
supplement volumes that fixed the old "mistakes". A completely new edition appeared inappropriate at the time. In the years 1989 to 1998 four supplementary volumes were published,
first under the names of two of the authors of the early days, Gustav Adolf Lohse und Wilhelm Lucht, and, starting with volume 15 under the names of the main authors Wilhelm Lucht
und Dr. Bernhard Klausnitzer. At the beginning of the new millennium, it was decided to produce a new edition. In 2004 volume 2 was published new as the first one in the continuation
of the old tradition under the names of the authors of the first hour, Dr. Heinz Freude, Dr. Karl Wilhelm HARDE and Dr. Gustav Adolf LOHSE and the author Dr. Bernard Klausnitzer.
The rapid development of knowledge on the Central European beetles (and even the whole nature), can be seen from the fact that even the new volume is outdated in smaller parts today. |
KÖHLER, F., KLAUSNITZER, B.
Entomofauna Germanica - Verzeichnis der Käfer DeutschlandsYear of publication: 1998Entomologische Nachrichten und Berichte (Dresden) Beiheft 4, Seite 1-185, ISSN 0232-5535
A really very special work, which deals with the distribution and the current and historical occurrences of the beetles in Germany. A straightforward and simple system is used to represent the status of each species of beetle ever found in Germany. 185 pages, a relatively short introductory section with some tables and maps. Because Frank Koehler managed to bring together many regional colleagues and because the data of many coleopterists ultimately converged at Frank Koehler (and still do so) it is very well-researched material, which gives a quick overview on the status of distribution of the beetles in Germany. The irregularly appearing updates are intended to complement and should be a must for every user of this book. Highly recommended, should be found in the bookshelf of every German Coleopterist (or stored on the hard drive as well as, as it is available in digital form as well). |
HAEUPLER, H., MUER, T.
Bildatlas der Farn- und Blütenpflanzen DeutschlandsYear of publication: 2007 (2. Aufl.)Ulmer Verlag, ISBN 978-3-8001-4990-2
A very comprehensive, well-structured field guide to the German flora with roughly 4050 color photos. Useful for both interested hobbyists and specialists. The relevancy for the coleopterist is given by the fact, that a large number of phytophagous beetles are strictly monophagous or oligophagous and are only found on certain plants. In these cases, some basic knowledge on the host plant is essential for a purposeful search and successful discovery of the beetle species developing on the respective plant. For those coleopterists occupied with phytophagous beetles, feeling a little "uncertain" in botany, this book is a real benefit. |
MÖLLER, G., GRUBE, R., WACHMANN, E.
Der Fauna Käferführer I - Käfer im und am WaldYear of publication: 2006Fauna Verlag, ISBN 3-935980-25-6
Elaborately designed paperback, covering about 430 beetle species which can be found in the forest or on the edge of the forest and 450 macro photographs accompanied by concise descriptions of the appearance, size and lifestyle. Additionally, species that can be easily confused are as well, thus facilitating their determination. A general introductory section deals with the particularities of the beetles, their lifestyle, development cycle and differences to other insect orders. The book is intended to be the first volume in a series of books. It is to be hoped, that the series will be continued, as the book is a good entry point for beginners as well as a good source of high-quality macro photographs for specialists, also of rare species. In German only. |
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ZAHRADNÍK, J.
Käfer Mittel- und NordwesteuropasYear of publication: 1985Paul Parey Verlag, ISBN 3-490-27118-1
This older book is a suitable alternative for the Kosmos Käferführer and is similarly structured. A general introductory section describes the features of the beetles, their habitats, collecting and preparation of specimen as well as nature and species protection. The main part contains a pictured key for the determination of families and descriptions of selected species, their biology, occurrence and distribution in Europe. The book is rounded off with color charts with drawings of selected species, in a quality similar to the Kosmos Käferführer. A glossary with entomological terms at the end of the book is especially helpful for interested lay persons. In German only. |
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TRAUTNER, J., GEIGENMÜLLER, K., BENSE, U.
Käfer beobachten, bestimmen Band 1Year of publication: 1988NJN Neumann-Neudamm Verlag, ISBN 3-7888-0529-3
This book can be only obtained from second-hand bookshops today. It was intended to be the first volume of a series of books containing macro photographs with a concise description of beetle species. Unfortunately, it remains the only volume of the series that was published. The major focus is on the longhorn beetles, leaf beetles and weevils. In the introductory section the morphology of the beetles, lifestyle and development cycle are described, as well as techniques for the observation and collecting of beetles. The book is a good introduction for interested lay persons into the above mentioned beetle families. For the specialist it is a good source of high-quality macro photographs and some interesting facts. In German only. |
KLAUSNITZER, B., SPRECHER-ÜBERSAX, E.
Die HirschkäferYear of publication: 2008 (4. Aufl.)Neue Brehm Bücherei, Westarp Wissenschaften, ISBN 3-89432-451-3
This paperback provides an overview of a total of 1520 stag beetle species of the world with pictures of quite a few species. Additionally, the morphology, lifestyle and development cycle especially of the 7 species occurring in Germany are introduced together with their current distribution in Germany and conservation measures. A separated chapter deals with the interaction between humans and stag beetles, especially Lucanus cervus. The book is a good introduction to the stag beetles and is highly recommended for both lay persons and specialists. In German only. |
KLAUSNITZER, B., KLAUSNITZER, H.
MarienkäferYear of publication: 1997 (4. Aufl.)Neue Brehm Bücherei, Westarp Wissenschaften, ISBN 3-89432-812-6
A very comprehensive paperback with a lot of need-to-know about ladybirds, their systematic, distribution, lifecycle, nourishment, scientific significance as well as a chapter on the relationship between humans and the ladybirds. It is probably the book on ladybirds in German language and is aimed at lay persons as well as specialists and is highly recommended. In German only. |
KLAUSNITZER, B.
Käfer im und am WasserYear of publication: 1996 (2. Aufl.)Neue Brehm Bücherei, Westarp Wissenschaften, ISBN 3-89432-478-3
A very comprehensive paperback with a lot of need-to-know about morphological adaption to the aquatic lifestyle, ecologic requirements of aquatic beetles, a determination table for aquatic beetle families as well as a section on endangerment and conservation of aquatic beetles. The book is a good introduction for both lay persons and specialists into the aquatic beetle fauna. It is highly recommended for every "hydrophilic" coleopterist. In German only. |
