Insects account for the overwhelming majority of small living things. Commonly perceived as annoying, treacherous, and unworthy of human interest, insects comprise almost the entirety of the animal world. Sometimes hidden, sometimes glaringly noticeable, and often the cause of irrational fears, insects are indispensable to our lives and environmental biodiversity. In fact, we are dealing with one of the planet’s oldest and most enduring life forms. This book leads its readers on a journey full of discoveries, beginning on a summer night – when a mosquito buzzing in our ear disturbs our sleep – and winding through meadows, cultivated fields, exotic lands and familiar surroundings. We will finally understand how and why insects are the best flatmates humans could possibly have.

Maurizio Casiraghi teaches Zoology and Evolution at Bicocca University in Milan.