National Geographic Photo Ark Insects

See the intricate, fascinating world of insects up close and personal, thanks to Joel Sartore’s remarkable Photo Ark portraits of insects, spiders, and kin.

Butterflies and beetles, ants and honeybees, praying mantises and centipedes—creepy crawly creatures from around the world, plus interesting facts and fascinating science.

When the pandemic forced National Geogrpahic photographer Joel Sartore to stay home in Nebraska instead of traveling to zoos and wildlife centers around the globe, what did he do? He went outside and explored the world of bugs.

This book pictures more than 100 species of insects, spiders, and related creatures—some exotic, but many common in fields, forests, and neighborhoods. Amazing portraits in Sartore’s signature style—against a black or white background—capture these creatures’ multi-lens eyes, probing antennae, and iridescent bodies in living color.

Alongside, entertaining text explains the basics of insect bodies, lives, and behavior, rich with unforgettable details. Who knew that a South American butterfly emerges from a chrysalis that glistens like gold? Or that one species of beetle has pincers as long as the rest of its body? Or that wolf spiders can purr?

For budding young scientists—and for the kid in us all—this collection of amazing animal photos and facts will intrigue, educate, and amuse all lovers of the tiny creatures who share our world.