Shells are exoskeletons of living creatures and have fascinated humans for millennia. Interesting Shells presents portraits of beautiful specimens from the Natural History Museum's vast collections, each accompanied by a caption explaining their unique characteristics - whether biological, historical or geographical.

What arachnologist worth his salt could forget the arachnid with a two-foot legspan? The Order Amblypygi not only contains world record species, but also some of the most improbable and unbelievable looking members of the Class Arachnida. Otherwise known as whipspiders, these creatures appear to have been formed in the deep recesses of a human nightmare, and yet are the only large arachnids that are entirely harmless to humans. Predatory whipspiders display advanced social behaviors and externally visible reproductive biology of immense complexity. This text presents cutting edge biological details, supporting Scanning Electron Micrographs, and unparalleled captive reproduction information with photographic documentation.

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.

Australia's coral reefs stretch far and wide, covering 50 000 square kilometres from the Indian Ocean in the West to the Pacific Ocean in the East. They have been viewed as a bedrock of coastal livelihoods, as uncharted and perilous nautical hazards, as valuable natural resources, and as unique, natural wonders with secrets waiting to be unlocked. Australia's coral reefs have sustained a global interest as places to visit, and as objects of study, science, protection and conservation. Coral Reefs of Australia examines our evolving relationship with coral reefs, and explores their mystery and the fast pace at which they are now changing. Corals are feeling the dramatic impacts of global climate change, having undergone several devastating mass coral bleaching events, dramatic species range shifts and gradual ocean acidification. This comprehensive and engaging book brings together the diverse views of Indigenous Australians, coral reef scientists, managers and politicians to reveal how we interact with coral reefs, focussing on Indigenous culture, coastal livelihoods, exploration, discovery, scientific research and climate change. It will inform and inspire readers to learn more about these intriguing natural phenomena and how we can protect coral reefs for the future. FEATURES A unique interdisciplinary collection celebrating our relationship with Australia's coral reefs that brings together perspectives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, coral reef scientists, managers and politicians. Covers the full geographical scope of Australia's reefs from the Indian Ocean's Cocos (Keeling) atoll in the West to the Pacific Ocean's Lord Howe Island in the East. Illustrated with high quality images of coral reef environments and people interacting with them. Covers the development of coral reef science in Australia and how scientists have interacted with reef managers and policy makers to guide effective stewardship of reefs.

The sheath nematodes belonging to the superfamily Hemicycliophoroidea are unique amongst all plant parasitic nematodes known to man due to the presence of an extra cuticular covering or sheath over the inner cuticle and body of all juvenile and adult life stages. These plant-parasitic nematodes include species of agricultural and quarantine importance. In Systematics of the Sheath Nematodes of the Superfamily Hemicycliophoroidea John Chitambar and Sergei Subbotin provide a detailed review of the taxonomy and diagnosis of the superfamily, its member genera and 153 related species based on their morphological and molecular analyses, as well as a further understanding of the relationships within the superfamily using molecular phylogenetics. In addition, Chitambar and Subbotin also give detailed information on the global distribution, biology, host-parasite relationships and ecology of sheath nematodes.