A Monograph of the British Phytophagous Hymenoptera

Peter Cameron, A Monograph of the British Phytophagous Hymenoptera (Tenthredo, Sirex, and Cynips, Linné), pub. 1882 - 1892, 4 vols, purple fabric, gilt lettering and tooling, coloured and black and white plates

Peter Cameron (1847-1912) was a British entomologist, widely respected for his extensive work on the Hymenoptera, a large order of insects that includes wasps, bees, and ants. Cameron's expertise in the taxonomy and natural history of these insects made him a leading figure in the field, with his publications still referenced by entomologists today. His contributions to the understanding of phytophagous (plant-eating) Hymenoptera were particularly significant, shedding light on the complex relationships between these insects and their host plants.

"A Monograph of the British Phytophagous Hymenoptera" is Cameron's magnum opus, providing a comprehensive account of the British species of plant-feeding Hymenoptera. Published in four volumes by the Ray Society between 1882 & 1892, this work details the morphology, classification, and behavior of various species within the genera Tenthredo, Sirex, and Cynips, among others. The monograph is richly illustrated with plates that offer detailed depictions of the insects, aiding in accurate identification and study.