Guide to Venomous and Medically Important Invertebrates, by David Bowles, James Swaby & Harold Harlan (2018). Paperback, 240 pages, CSIRO Publishing.

An illustrated guide to aid identification, provide protection measures and guidance on treatment.

Though many are harmless and even beneficial, invertebrates are some of the world’s most feared and dangerous creatures.

Guide to Venomous and Medically Important Invertebrates describes the health threats posed by invertebrate groups worldwide, from physical pain and annoyance to disease transmission risk. Featuring clear photographs, distribution maps and descriptions of biological, physical and behavioural characteristics of key groups, this book aids identification of potentially harmful invertebrates. It also summarises personal protection measures to reduce the risk of attack and disease, and provides guidance on treatment.

This book will help to protect the health of travellers and serve as a reference for medical personnel working in high-risk areas, as well as those interested in entomology.

• An essential guide for identifying and mitigating risks from invertebrates worldwide
• Provides distribution maps, key features, photographs and general descriptions of the most dangerous invertebrates
• Summarises expected reactions to invertebrate attacks, and their treatment (if known)
• Describes personal protective measures and provides recommendations that individuals can use to protect themselves from dangerous invertebrates.