Recommended Books

Borer, Donald J., Richard E. White, and Roger Tory Peterson
A Field Guide to Insects : America North of Mexico (Peterson Field Guide Series)
Available from Amazon.com

Farrand, John (Designer)
Familiar Insects and Spiders North America (Audubon Society Pocket Guides)
Knopf (1988) Paperback
Amazon synopsis: This guide describes and illustrates 80 of the most abundant and colorful insects and spiders in North America. An additional thirteen insects are mentioned as similar or related species. 80 color plates.
Available from Amazon.com

Hogue, Charles L. and Jerry Powell
California Insects
University of California Press (1979) Paperback
Available from Amazon.com

Hogue, Charles L.
Insects of the Los Angeles Basin
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (1993) Paperback
The only book a non-professional will ever need in southern California! This book thoroughly documents common and less-than-common insects of the region, with discussions of the life history and other lore of each one. Profusely illustrated with color photos and line drawings, and with references to technical literature for nearly all entries. Includes some arachnids as well.
Available from Amazon.com

Levi, Herbert W. and Lorna R. Levi
Spiders & Their Kin (a Golden Guide)
Golden Books Publishing Co. (1990) Paperback
Small but loaded with information about arachnids of all kinds. Amply illustrated.
Amazon synopsis: Thoroughly updated with accurate information that includes all of the most recent findings in its field. Easy-to-understand information makes this guide an invaluable aid for all readers.
Available from Amazon.com

Milne, Lorus J. and Susan Rayfield (Illustrator)
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders
Knopf (1980) Paperback
Available from Amazon.com