The volume deals with morphology, taxonomy and systematics of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) in the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae and bacteria associated with these nematodes. In the first part, history, taxonomic status, family and genus definitions of EPN are mentioned. In the second part, all useful aspects of morphology and methodology of EPN are mentioned with illustrations and SEM photographs and instructions on how to make the measurements, and how to use them in taxonomic work. A polychotomous key with SEM photographs and illustrations is provided. In the third part, full descriptions of all species are presented with latest information about each species. In the fourth part, molecular and phylogenetic methods for working with EPN are presented, including the latest information and instructions on how to use molecular data in taxonomic work. In the last part, bacteria associated with this group of nematodes are discussed in the context of the latest information about methodology, biology and taxon.

This is the first and so far the one and only treatise on the morphology of the Tylenchs. Tylenchs are economically important Nematodes that live in huge numbers in the soil. They are microscopic and they show a constant number of cells, a characteristic in Nematodes. The cell count in Tylenchs, undertaken here for the first time, resulted in an estimate of fewer than a thousand cells. All the different cell types are described in great detail, and some of them are rather unusual in the Animal Kingdom. The internal pressure system (typical for Nematodes) in conjunction with the presence of a hollow stylet (typical for Tylenchs), results in rigorous but functional relations among the several body parts. Throughout the book functional morphology is a key topic and an entire chapter is devoted to it. The book is amply illustrated with line drawings that are based on microscopic and sub-microscopic observations.

While sea cucumber is one of China's and Asia's most prized seafoods, and aquaculture programs are being developed on a huge commercial scale, Chinese expertise and knowledge in this area has not been well disseminated worldwide. The Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is the first book to bridge this gap by compiling key information related to hatchery and aquaculture techniques, nutritional and medical values, markets, and trade flow of the number one sea cucumber species. It summarizes the historical and most recent developments in the trade and aquaculture of Apostichopus japonicus, as well as important aspects of its anatomy, population dynamics, reproduction, development, physiology, and biochemistry. With sea cucumber harvest and aquaculture booming worldwide, comprehensive knowledge of China's technological breakthroughs in this rapidly expanding field is key. The Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is essential to understanding the cultural underpinnings of the insatiable market demands for sea cucumber and what drives sea cucumber trade. It also provides biological information and aquaculture techniques that can be adapted to other species, making it a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners involved in sea cucumber harvesting, aquaculture, and conservation.