Of Cockroaches and Crickets

This deep dive into the wonderful world of insects teaches us to love the tiny, seemingly terrifying creatures all around us. 

For many people, cockroaches are the most pesky of pests. Not so for entomologist Frank Nischk. In this funny and fascinating book, Frank reveals his love and admiration for so-called “nasty” creatures like cockroaches, crickets, and more. He shows us that even seemingly terrifying insects are beautiful in their own way—and essential to all life on Earth. 

Frank never planned to study cockroaches. But when researching hummingbirds fell through, he switched to cockroach feces—and soon fell in love. Cockroaches are incredible survivors, devoted parents, and adapt to almost any environment. Nischk even answers the age-old question of whether a cockroach would survive a nuclear explosion. After reading such eye-opening and warm-hearted stories, you’ll think twice before stepping on one! 

From cockroaches to crickets, Nischk travels to Ecuador to record cricket sounds, where he finds jungles bursting with a riot of insect life (including bullet ants whose stings are surprisingly painful). As Nischk narrates his (mis)adventures as an entomologist, he shares stories about intriguing insect discoveries, from damselflies who lay eggs deep underwater, to zombie fungi that invade the brains of ants. Brimming with fascinating facts, incredible stories, and unbelievable anecdotes, Of Cockroaches and Crickets will intrigue anyone who has ever loved—or hated!—bugs.

Frank Nischk is an entomologist, science reporter, and filmmaker who has studied insects around the world. Since 2000, he has been working as a journalist and a director of TV documentaries, including award-winning nature and animal films. He lives in Cologne, Germany.

Carl Safina is an award-winning ecologist and bestselling author, and founding president of the not-for-profit Safina Center, a unique group of creative thought-leaders who advance the case for life on Earth. His latest book is Becoming Wild: How Animal Cultures Raise Families, Create Beauty, and Achieve Peace.