Aotearoa is a land of around 20,000 species of insect. And most of them can only be found right here!

Our insects live from the tip of the North Island to the bottom of the South, and this full colour book travels through homes and backyards, forest, caves, mountains and waterways, introducing many of our incredible creatures.

From over 100 different species of weta, (one of which is the heaviest insect in the world), to beautiful moths, insects as long as your forearm, a “Mad Hatterpillar”, and the famous maggot with a glowing bum, we meet our kiwi critters!

Readers learn the parts of an insect, the different families they belong to and where they live. We meet many experts who share their favourite insect and a little bit about the work they do.

With every piece of interesting information are full colour close up photos of insect’s behavior, homes and markings. Look hard though, some insect camouflage is second to none!

The authors have included as many Māori names where possible and the significance of insects in Māori lore. Many Māori place names around Aotearoa are also connected to insects.

In the rear of the book is a section helping with unfamiliar words throughout the book – What Does That Word Mean? and the following index can guide you straight to your favourite insect or maybe one you’re not so fond of, but would like to know more.

A must for book shelves across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Authors – Simon Pollard / Phil Sirvid

Age – 8 – 88

Non-Fiction

Check out another book by these authors here (Why is that Spider Dancing? – The Amazing Arachnids of Aotearoa)

(2025, Te Papa Press, Aotearoa, New Zealand, NZ, Insects, Bugs, Critters, Fascinating Facts, Non-Fiction)