The Incredible Insects of Aotearoa

A fun, fascinating and revealing book about the strange and wonderful critters of Aotearoa New Zealand.

By Simon Pollard and Phil Sirvid

Publication: May 2025
Pages: 128
Format: Paperback
ISBN:
978-1-99-107203-0

RRP: $35

Buy The Incredible Insects of Aotearoa

What do you call a grasshopper dressed as a gladiator? Why are sandfly bites so itchy? What links insects and Māori whakairo? How does a glow worm glow? Why does this book include sorcerers, vampires and dragons? What makes insects in Aotearoa so special?

From our backyards to high in the mountains, through forests, along coastlines, and in the darkness of caves, award-winning science writer Simon Pollard and Te Papa insect expert Phil Sirvid answer these questions and more.

Share in the secrets and marvels of our natural world through stunning close-up photographs, mātauranga Māori, insightful explanations, and meet-the-expert profiles.

Look inside The Incredible Insects of Aotearoa

Review highlights

The Source, by Trevor Agnew. “The Incredible Insects of Aotearoa is tailor-made to captivate young readers. Both authors, Simon Pollard and Phil Sirvid, are insect experts who have the ability to convey their enthusiasm in clear, simple prose.”
DustyShelves Book Reviews and BookBits, by Terry Toner. “I for one am glad this book will reside in my library – it just has so much to offer the emerging mind to all that is possible in one small country at the bottom of the world.”
Bobs Book Blog. “This publication is full of interesting facts and would be an essential purchase for school libraries. The best non-fiction book I have read this year.”
What Book Next?, by Adele Broadbent. “A must for book shelves across Aotearoa New Zealand.”
The Sapling, by Katherine Hurst. “The back cover asks ‘What makes insects in Aotearoa so special?’ Spend some time reading this book and you’ll soon build up a huge list of reasons why our insects are remarkable. You’ll also find out what makes The Incredible Insects of Aotearoa so special—a winning combination of attractive design and photos, amazing insects, and funny and chatty text that makes you want to keep reading.”