Insects of the Texas Lost Pines

Book excerpt: Annotation In an isolated pine forest on the eastern edge of Central Texas, there lies an island of abundant and diversified life known as the Lost Pines, the western-most stand of the loblolly pine. This 100,000-acre island includes portions of Bastrop and Buescher state parks. It was here that Stephen Welton Taber and Scott B. Fleenor encountered insect life of astonishing diversity. Setting out to identify and describe the insects and related animals most readily observed in the Lost Pines, they also discovered some hidden, rare, and never-before-described species. The result is this book, a bestiary of more than 280 species of invertebrates including insects, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, scorpions, mollusks, and worms. Each species description includes common and scientific names; information on biology, distribution, and similar species; and the authors' special remarks. The next time you visit Bastrop State Park, turn over a few logs, look at the ants, and don't swat the flies. Take along this newguide and open up a world of life in one of Texas' most unique and popular landscapes.