Christopher Marley's graceful arrangements of jewel-like arthropods make converts of those who have long seen insects as creepy—these are stunning works of art. Marley's keen eye for design combines with his entomological education to produce mesmerizing, kaleidoscopic bug mandalas and striking up-close-and-personal single-insect portraits. Neither painted nor digitally enhanced, the artist's subjects appear in this book just as they would if you found one on your screen door. Each gorgeous creation is identified with its scientific and common names, and many are accompanied by concise descriptive text. In succinct essays, Marley writes about insect collecting and its benefits to the environment; he describes his creative process in choosing and arranging the creatures for optimal visual effect.After a childhood spent running from every creature that skittered about on more than four legs, Marley has devoted much of his adult life to studying bugs—with increasing fascination. He makes frequent forays to remote locations far removed from his home in Oregon, seeking out the most beautiful and exotic species on Earth.