Under The Microscope

FORGOTTEN FAUNA, by Mike Meads; DSIR Publishing 1990; 96 pages; $19.95

It's sad but true that most of our ecological awareness is concerned with the pretty animals -- the panda, the kakapo, the otter -- and little thought is given to the less immediately attractive beasties in danger. Who cares for Turbott's weevil and the giant leaf-veined slug?

Mike Meads does, and through the pages of Forgotten Fauna you are drawn by his enthusiasm into a new appreciation of things that are "more than just slime and slither".

How can you not fail to be moved by the Mahoenui giant weta, once in danger of disappearing before it was even described. Or admire the maternal sacrifice of the giant, flat redworm, which has to die to release its huge winter eggs. Or be impressed by the Wainuia land snails which swallow landhoppers whole.

There's a vast amount of fascinating information packed into this small, soft-covered book. It's the sort of information which gives you a new appreciation for the ancient invertebrates which share our land. The clear colour photos are a tribute to patience and persistence and, sadly, will probably be the closest any of us come to the weird and wonderful creatures.

After reading the text, it becomes possible to look at pictures even of the Nelson cave spider with a sense of cordiality, if not companionship.

Cathryn Crane, NZSM