Nectar is the most important reward offered by plants to pollinating animals. This book is a modern and interdisciplinary text on nectar and nectaries, prompted by the expansion of knowledge in ecological and molecular fields, and the strong recent interest in pollination biology. The topics covered vary widely: they include historical aspects, the structure and ultrastructure of nectaries and relationships to plant systematics, the dynamics of nectar secretion, nectar chemistry and the molecular biology of defence proteins, and more.

'Darwin cleared: official' This 1982 Times (7 January) head line of a first leader, reporting the astonishing case brought in Arkansas against compulsory teaching of a biblical account of creation, hopefully set at rest doubts about Darwin in the minds of a public confused by media presentations of such unfamiliar concepts as punctuated equilibria, cladism and phenetics. Mud sticks, but Darwin's perturbed ghost may have found some consolation in the concurrent celebrations at Grange-over-Sands, a modest township in Cumbria, UK, of the centenary of the publication of his less controversial book The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms. In the form of a symposium on earthworm ecology, this attracted some 150 participants, predominantly adrenalin-charged research workers in the full heat of peer-group interaction. This book comprises a selection of the more ecologically oriented papers contributed to the symposium, brutally edited in the interests of brevity and thematic continuity. The book opens with an appraisal of Darwin's earthworm work in its historical and philosophical context and relates his views on 'vegetable mould' to current concepts of humus formation. Thereafter, quotations from Darwin made out of piety have been rigorously excluded. Subsequent sections each comprise a review chapter and two or three 'case studies' presenting new data on a related topic."

Mention the words 'arthropod cuticle' to most biologists and they usually provoke a glazed expression. This is because the cuticle is commonly regarded as an inert substance. It is hoped that this book will dispel this fallacy. The study of cuticle in its proper context now involves many of the wider aspects of biology which are currently in vogue (e. g. how a hormone like ecdyson induces a specific enzyme like dopa decarboxylase; the unsolved major problem of cell gradient and polarity; the involvement of cyclic AMP in hormonal mechanisms; the extra cellular control of cuticular enzymes, of the mechanical proper ties of cuticle structural proteins, and of the orientation of fibrous molecules; and the relation of chromosome puffing to the synthesis of specific proteins). Studies on cuticle demand a variety of techniques, and examples of the following are illustrated in this book (fluorescence, phase contrast, polariza tion and Nomarski interference microscopy; infrared absorp tion; transmission and scanning electron microscopy; autora diography analyzed by electron microscopy; negative staining in the electron microscope; optical diffraction, high angle X-ray diffraction, low angle X -ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction). I am well aware that the biophysical parts of this book are less incomplete than other aspects. A developmental biologist or a biochemist would have further elaborated other parts ofthe subject matter. Only one previous author, RICHARDS (1951)hasdevoted a book to arthropod cuticle."

Lacewings are predatory insects which attack and kill large numbers of insect pests. Lacewings in the Crop Environment addresses both the theoretical and practical aspects of lacewing biology and their use in crop protection. The book opens with a section on lacewing systematics and ecology. Next, lacewings as predators in a wide variety of commercially important crops are reviewed and this is followed by a section on the principles of using lacewings in pest control. The possible impact of genetically modified crops on lacewing populations is also discussed. Finally, a fascinating array of case studies of lacewing use in many crops from around the world is presented, and future uses of lacewings speculated upon. Lacewings in the Crop Environment is an essential reference work and practical handbook for students, researchers of biological control, integrated pest management and agricultural science, and for field workers using lacewings in pest management programmes worldwide.

The words pronounced by Serge Kreiter during the meeting come to mind. They could record exactly the situation of Acarology in Europe and in the World: "I think that in many European countries there are very few full time acarologists. It is very rare to have new positions available . . . . And public money, from the European Community but also from national countries, is very hard to get when you want to work on mites . . . . Could two acarological associations in Europe (Eur. A. Ac. and S. I. A. L. F) work together or, better, get married?" So, the fourth symposium of the European Acarologists has not only been the occasion to have an idea on which direction the research is addressed today, but also it pointed out the difficulties of our "scientific hranch." On the basis of the presentations and invited papers we had evidences of a "new" Acarology based on modern techniques and methods of investigations but also the importance, often sheltered even if of relevant value, of the "old" Acarology made on the alpha taxonomy and basic studies. So, a "new" Acarology needs the "old" one. In this context, the hope to put together the European acarologists has been coming up. This fact, of political meaning, can surely improve the acarological movement and the discussion on this point showed clearly the importance of several other activities and efforts in this direction. We hope that the meeting in Siena will represent a significative stone for the progress of Acarology.

It is difficult for me to recollect a time when I was not fascinated with the very notion of a desert. Walt Disney's film, The Living Desert, which I initially saw when I was 8 years of age, provided me with my first glimpse of this wondrous yet seemingly ho stile environment. The images were hypnotic and captivating. I looked on in amazement at the promenade Cl deux of the male and female scorpions during courtship. Their rhythmic and coordinated movements as they grasped one another made them appear to glide in unis on over the surface of the sand, each individual totally absorbed with its partner. In the next minute the fern ale had suddenly and utterly transformed herself like some Jekyll and Hyde act, into an aggressive predator whose prior gregarious embrace was now a hold of death for the male. The indomitable desert grasshopper mouse, the ever sentient kit fox, the graceful shovel-nosed snake swimming in an endless sea of sand.

Chelicerata are a basically terrestrial group of invertebrates, including many clades whose representatives have never found an evolutionary way to aquatic live. An exception is made by some spiders and the highly diverse aquatic mites which in inland water habitats are represented by members of numerous different clades having evolved an aquatic or amphibious lifestyle along various evolutionary pathways. For the first time in limnofaunistic bibliography, the present taxonomic knowledge about these different groups of invertebrates is brought together in an overview for the Central-European fauna.

This second volume includes taxonomic keys and ecological information for the two species-rich superfamilies Hydryphantoidea and Lebertioidea of the freshwater mites (Hydrachnidia). A further volume in preparation will include the remaining two superfamilies, Hygrobatoidea and Arrenuroidea.

The chelicerata volumes of this series are a basic tool for all limnologists interested in diversity and ecology - in particular for biologists investigating the ecotones between ground- and surface water, between benthos and plankton, and between water and land.

This is a comprehensive account of centipede biology providing a critical review of the work covering anatomy, behaviour, reproduction and life history, predators and parasites, physiology, ecology and taxonomy. It is an important source-book of particular value to scientists working directly with this group and to soil ecologists and those more generally interested in arthropods, arthropod affinities and their evolution. This is a book from an internationally respected scientist and includes many first-hand accounts of his own work both on temperate and tropical species.

This book synthesizes new information about the environmental advantages of plant resistance, transgenic resistance, the molecular bases of resistance, and the use of molecular markers to map resistance genes. Readers are presented in-depth descriptions of techniques to quantify resistance, factors affecting resistance expression, and the deployment of resistance genes. New information about gene-for-gene interactions between resistant plants and arthropod biotypes is discussed along with the recent examples of using arthropod resistant plants in integrated pest management systems.

This volume contains the Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Ticks and Tick-borne Pathogens (TTP-4), held in Banff, Alberta, Canada, from 21 to 26 July 2002. TTP-4 continues an important tradition established in 1992 at the first Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, and developed subsequently at the Kruger National Park, South Africa (1995) and the High Tatra Mountains, Slovakia (1999). The 31 papers published in this special issue are divided between six sessions, with a keynote address as an introduction. The first session, which deals with biosystematics, genomics and proteomics of ticks, contains the most recent world list of valid tick names. The papers deal with a broad range of tick-host-pathogen interactions, including remote sensing and mapping of ticks and tick-borne pathogens as well as practical aspects of tick control. It is recommended reading for anyone working on ticks and tick-borne pathogens, which are of increasing medical and veterinary importance worldwide.

Members of the phylum Echinodermata are among the most familiar marine invertebrates. Forms such as the sea star have become virtually a symbol of sea life. Used in ancient oriental medicine as a source of bioactive compounds, sea cucumbers, sea stars and sea urchins are now used for the extraction and purification of cytotoxic, haemolytic, antiviral, antifungal, antifouling, antimicrobial and even anti-tumoural activities. In addition, of the five extant classes, sea urchins and sea cucumbers are important economic resources for current fishery and aquaculture. Molecular and cell biological techniques described in this book are, on the one hand, indicative of the improvements made over the years and, on the other, stress the need of their further exploitation for the sustainable production of bioactive compounds and their application in biomedicine.

Plant-animal interactions have become a focus of ecological research, with the processes of herbivory being of special interest. This volume examines the interactions of leaf-cutting ants with the rainforest vegetation on Barro Colorado Islands in Central America. It is the synthesis of field research on multiple scales extending over a period of several years. This work can serve as a model study summarizing and extending knowledge about herbivorous insect-plant relationships, and the resulting consequences on structural and functional features of tropical ecosystems. The text is an invaluable reference for researchers and land managers working in the fields of plant-animal interactions, herbivory, community ecology and biodiversity.

The Carabidae (including ground and tiger presented at the 8th European Carabidologists' beetles) form one of the largest families of in- Meeting - 2nd International Symposium of Cara- sects, with no less than an estimated 40,000 de- bidology, which took place at the Catholic Uni- scribed species, occurring in nearly any terrestrial versity of Louvain (U. c. L. ) in Louvain-Ia-Neuve and at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sci- habitat on all continents (except Antarctica) as well as on most islands. This extreme diversity ences (R. B. I. N. S. ) in Brussels, Belgium, Septem- and distribution, along with the high abundance ber 1-4, 1992. The manuscripts were peer-re- of these beetles in a large variety of habitats has viewed prior to acceptance. resulted a considerable interest in many aspects of European Carabidologists' Meetings were their study, including systematics, biogeography, started in the late 1960s by ecologists, mostly ecology and evolution. A large number of ground from the Netherlands, Scandinavia and Germany, beetles are known as polyphagous predatory who were investigating various aspects of the bi- arthropods and therefore have been recognized ology of carabid beetles. Since that time the as beneficial insects in integrated pest manage- number of participants to that meeting as well as ment of cultures. This has stimulated ecological its content have expanded considerably.

Acanthocephalans, or spiny-headed worms, are endoparasites found in almost all marine, freshwater and terrestrial systems. They infect a huge range of definitive and intermediate hosts during their life cycles, including both vertebrates and arthropods. This volume, first published in 2006, examines the distribution and abundance of the Acanthocephala, and uses this ecological information to reveal the group's enormous survival success. It discusses how the acanthocephalans have evolved differently to all other groups of parasites, and represent a distinct and alternative pathway of parasite evolution and host parasite-interactions. Written for graduate students and researchers in parasitology, ecology and zoology or anyone interested in reading about parasite ecology and evolution.

A thorough understanding of planktonic organisms is the first step towards a real appreciation of the diversity, biology, and ecological importance of marine life. A detailed knowledge of their distribution and community composition is particularly important since these organisms are often very delicate and sensitive to change, and can be used as early indicators of environmental change. Natural and man-induced modification of the environment can affect both the distribution and composition of plankton, with important ecological and economic impacts. Marine Plankton provides a practical guide to plankton biology with a large geographic coverage spanning the North Sea to the north-eastern Atlantic coast of the USA and Canada. The book is divided into three sections: an overview of plankton ecology, an assessment of methodology in plankton research covering sampling, preservation, and counting of samples, and a taxonomic guide richly illustrated with detailed line drawings to aid identification. This is an essential reference text suitable for senior undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in marine ecology (particularly useful for fieldwork) as well as for professional marine biologists. It will also be of relevance and use to environmental scientists, conservation biologists, marine resource managers, environmental consultants, and other specialised practitioners.

This is the first time that a single book has attempted to cover the whole of the fossil history of insects so comprehensively. The volume embraces the history of insect palaeontology, methods for studying fossils, the taphonomic processes leading to their formation, the diagnostic features of all insect orders, both extant and extinct, the major fossils of each order, and the implications that can be drawn from the palaeoentomological record about past ecology and climates. Many new insights are presented.
It is the product principally of the largest palaeoentomological group in the world, in Moscow, and makes full use of the remarkable collection that these workers have developed. It includes a very large number of illustrations showing both real fossils and reconstructions of extinct taxa. The systematic part is treated in a phylogenetic framework, with information on fossil groups being used to help interpret relationships. An appendix provides information on virtually all sites where fossil insects have been found. This book is essential to all students of palaeoentomology and contains a wealth of information that will be of interest to students of insect evolutionary relationships and of palaeontology in general.

Biological control is among the most promising methods for control of pests, diseases and weeds, and this book treats ecological and societal aspects together for the first time. The aim is to evaluate the significance of certain biological properties like biodiversity and natural habitats. In a societal approach terms like 'consumer's attitude', 'risk perception', 'learning and education' and 'value triangle' are recognized as significant for biological production and human welfare.

The book synthesizes knowledge on the arthropod taxon Oribatida, a suborder of Acari (the mites and ticks), that are a key group in soil ecology and biodiversity studies for Canada and Alaska but also worldwide. This book is unparalleled in the comprehensive nature of the information provided on this key biotic group. It is presented by two leading global experts for this group. There is no competing text in English. Reviewers were unanimous in their view that there is an "unquestionable" need for this book. The book provides highly reliable set of data, well prepared from a content and methodological point of view, bringing much interesting information on the subject and a valuable contribution to the knowledge of ecology of the group of invertebrates.

One of the main reasons that we organized this edited volume is to increase - ternational awareness of the growing use of invertebrate pathogens for control and eradication of invasive arthropods. As the numbers of invasive species continues to rise, more insect pathologists have been involved with work on their control using entomopathogens. In fact, this is not a new area of focus for insect pathologists; work on microbes against invasive arthropods began more than a century ago with classicalbiologicalcontrolintroductionsofentomopathogenicfungiagainstinvasive species in the 1890s. Chapters in this book cover entomopathogens that have been developedforcontrolofinvasivespeciesovermanydecades(e. g. anematodeagainst Sirex noctilio and Bacillus thuringiensis against gypsy moth) while other chapters focusondevelopmentofcontrolmeasuresforveryrecentinvasives(e. g. emeraldash borer?rstfoundintheUSin2002). SinceboththeUnitedStatesandNewZealandare countrieswithabundanttrade, whichisakeypathwayforinvasives, wehavebeenvery awareofthegrowingnumbers ofinvasive pestsarrivinginour owncountries andthe needforcontrolstrategies. Wehavebeencloselyinvolvedwiththeircontrolusing- crobes, atvaryinglevels(fromlaboratorybenchto?eldstudiestonationalcommittees evaluating eradication programs using the entomopathogen B. thuringiensis). Within the past few years, symposia on use of microbes for invasive control have been organized twice at the annual meetings of the Society of Invertebrate Pathology (2005 - Anchorage, Alaska, and 2007 - Quebec City, Quebec, Canada), demonstrating interest in this subject across the international community of inv- tebrate pathologists. However, no written summaries, covering the different types of pathogens being studied, developed and used for control, have previously - dressed this subje

Pine wilt disease (PWD) is unquestionably a major threat to forest ecosystems worldwide. After seriously affecting Eastern Asian countries, the challenge is now in Europe, following its detection in Portugal in 1999 and its subsequent spread. For foresters, these were really very bad news and, in order for adequate action to be taken, scientists had to teach politicians about the seriousness of the problem. That is never an easy task, but it was successfully done at that time, mainly by the continued effort of Professor Manuel Mota. The challenge of having political decisions based on good science is fundamental for the success of any program, but especially in dif?cult situations such as those arising by the introduction of harmful organisms in new ecosystems. The success of the dialogue between science and policy requires intelligent partners from each side, which is not always necessarily the case... Examples of lack of recognition of problems raised by science are unfortunately abundant throughout the history of science. The recent recognition of the efforts of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Al Gore with the - bel Prize, and the continued failure in taking appropriate actions by major political players is a dramatic modern example of the dif?culty of this dialogue...

Used particularly when there has been a suspicious death, insect-related evidence is one of the most powerful, but least understood examples of modern forensic science. Entomology and the Law provides a detailed roadmap that can be followed from crime scene to courtroom by entomologists, law enforcement personnel and lawyers preparing for trial. Part I focuses on carrion flies as forensic indicators, exploring relevant biology clearly and concisely illustrated by real-life cases. Flies are usually first on the scene of a death, and knowledge of their habits and lifestyles can help to reveal time of death, weeks or even years later. Part II provides a thorough examination of the law of scientific evidence worldwide, complete with caselaw and applicable code provisions, and legal issues relevant to the admissibility and use of forensic entomology in litigation. It will prepare both scientists and lawyers for real-world forays into the world of forensic entomology.

Until now, individuals wishing to identify British insects have found it difficult to track down the specialist keys published in obscure literature, whereas the popular guides are often misleadingly simplistic, covering only a fraction of the species. This book bridges the gap, providing expert guidance through the taxonomic maze. It contains an introduction to each group of organisms, and over 2000 references selected as being the most useful and up-to-date for accurate identification, together with notes on their relevance and coverage. A further chapter covers the understanding and retrieval of scientific references, with advice on using libraries and other information services. This will be an essential reference book for anyone involved in insect and arachnid identification, from interested amateurs to professionals dealing with unfamiliar groups.

Much of our understanding about insect predator-prey dynamics has been due to studies on insect parasitoids. But do true predators such as ladybird beetles really operate in a similar way and how does this affect their use in biological control? The extensive literature on ladybirds as biocontrol agents shows that their size and rate of development is very dependent on the nature of their prey. This volume explores basic ladybird biology, their association with their prey and its effect on development rate and body size. Optimal foraging theory, field observations and laboratory experiments are used to illustrate how ladybird larvae maximise their rate of energy intake, and ladybird adults their fitness. The interdependence of these life history parameters is then used to develop a simple predator-prey model which, with an analysis of the literature, highlights the specific attributes of potentially successful biocontrol agents for all those interested in predator-prey dynamics.

As ravagers of crops and carriers of diseases affecting plants, humans and animals, insects present a challenge to a growing human population. In Pest and Vector Control, H.F. van Emden and Mike Service describe the available options for meeting this challenge, discussing their relative advantages, disadvantages and future potential. Methods such as chemical and biological control, host tolerance and resistance are discussed, intergrating--often for the first time--information and experience from the agricultural and medical/veterinary fields. Chemical control is seen as a major component of insect control, both now and in the future, but this is balanced with an extensive account of associated problems, especially the development of pesticide-tolerant populations. The authors are leading authorities in their respective fields and two of the best known entomologists of their generation.

This study of distribution, abundance and population size variation in animals (formerly regarded as pure ecological subjects) is presented in an evolutionary framework. Arguing that evolved characters of organisms such as morphology, behavior and life history influence their ecological relationships, this new conceptual framework is broadly relevant to ecologists, evolutionary biologists, behavioral scientists and entomologists.