A fascinating look at the world's most numerous inhabitants, illustrated with stunning images from the American Museum of Natural History's Rare Book Collection. To date, we have discovered and described or named around 1.1 million insect species, and thousands of new species are added to the ranks every year. It is estimated that there are around five million insect species on Earth, making them the most diverse lineage of all life by far. This magnificent volume from the American Museum of Natural History tells their incredible story. Noted entomologist Michael S. Engel explores insects' evolution and diversity; metamorphosis; pests, parasites, and plagues; society and language; camouflage; and pollination--as well as tales of discovery by intrepid entomologists. More than 180 illustrations from the Rare Book Collection at the Museum's Research Library reveal the extraordinary world of insects down to their tiniest, most astonishing details, from butterflies' iridescent wings to beetles' vibrant colors.

Drosophila is the scientist's favourite lab organism because it reproduces quickly and has straightforwartd chromosomes. It has long been the organism of choice in experiments in genetics and is also popular in developmental and behavioural studies. The second edition of this popular Practical Approach book brings the methodology up to date, with contributions from the world's leading Drosophila researchers. It will be valuable to the novice and experienced worker alike.

Represents the first comprehensive study of these moths in North America north of Mexico using modern systematic procedures involving assessment of a number of morphological and biological characters in relation to their phylogenetic status. This study also represents a worldwide generic study made in conjunction with the revision of the North American species, primarily to ascertain realistic generic limits and the placement of the various genera once included in the heterogeneous concept of the family. Extralimital genera are noted in a catalog of generic names associated with the Glyphipterigidae.

The hardback edition of this was the first book on insect flight since J W S Pringle's classic Insect Flight was published in 1957. Much has been written since on applied and ecological aspects of flight, but the question of the origin of wings and flight, their structural concomitants, and the related aerodynamical issues have been confined largely to armchair speculation in a scattered literature. This book is written by a leading authority on insect flight, and for the first time draws a coherent, empirically based picture of how insect flight may have evolved. Following excellent reviews the book is now being made available in paperback.

Butterflies of Maine and the Canadian Maritime Provinces introduces readers to over one hundred and twenty butterfly species documented in the Acadian region. Including contributions from researchers and community scientists, this volume is indispensable for anyone interested in the study and conservation of these ecologically important insects. This user-friendly guide features: • The first annotated checklist of the species and subspecies of Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island • Species accounts covering habitat, behavior, threats, and more • Color photographs, flight histograms, and distribution maps

This detailed second edition presents a wide variety of marine invertebrate model systems, from cephalochordata to holothurians, along with novel experimental protocols for taking advantage of their unique properties. The techniques range from culturing the organisms to modifying their DNA. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, Developmental Biology of the Sea Urchin and Other Marine Invertebrates: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is an ideal guide for researchers working with these versatile organisms and for furthering our understanding of fundamental biological questions.

Cephalopods (octopus, squid, cuttlefish) are among the most intelligent invertebrates, with highly developed nervous systems which provide excellent model systems for investigating basic questions in neuroscience. Within the last five years, many of the powerful techniques of molecular biology and electrophysiology have been applied to cephalopods, with exciting results. In 32 chapters, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the functioning of the cephalopod nervous system, from the cellular level to their complex sensory systems, locomotion, learning, and social behavior. It will be of interest to both vertebrate and invertebrate neurobiologists, and by anyone interested in the basic principles that control neural function.

A landscape of insects and other invertebrates is a stepping stone in the process of documenting and conserving South Africa's huge diversity of insect life. The images in this volume have all been photographed on the 'Diamond Route' properties belonging to De Beers and the Oppenheimer family, areas which exist primarily to promote conservation and research. Celebrating South Africa's wondrous landscapes and ecology, this book is a must for tourists, nature lovers, students, farmers and conservation agencies visiting the region. All will find something of interest and beauty here.

This comprehensive volume contains some sixty papers and reviews presented at the First International Symposium on Abalone Biology, Fisheries and Culture held in La Paz, Mexico. Introductory reviews in the book focus on the evolutionary origin, radiation and modern relationships of the genus Haliotis. Further papers review aspects of the reproductive process, larval energetics, mechanisms of larval settlement, and the ecology of settlement. Feeding deterrents and attractants, and the relation between food and growth are reviewed in a later section of authoritative papers. The natural mortality of abalone and its causes, predators and diseases are thoroughly reviewed. Several papers summarise information on the withering syndrome afflicting black abalone in California. A series of excellent papers and reviews then consider the problems of managing abalone fisheries. The models used are reviewed and examples given of the application of models to specific fisheries. Further papers provide new information on stock enhancement and the book concludes with case studies of the eight major abalone fisheries of the world with a review of the management of each. The book is divided into eight sections as follows: Part I -- Evolution and distributuion. Part II -- Physiology, genetics, reproduction. Part III -- Larval ecology and settlement. Part IV -- Feeding, growth. Part V -- Marketing, disease and predators. Part VI -- Fishery biology, modelling. Part VII -- Case studies of fisheries. Part VIII -- Culture.

The formation of galls - abnormal growths or swelling in a plant - may be induced by infection of the plant by bacteria or fungi, or attack from certain mites, nematodes or insects. This book provides comprehensive coverage of the biology of galls and their complex ecological etiology. The expert contributors address topics such as the effect of insect secretions on plant growth, the evolution and physiology of gall-inducing insects, patterns in gall development and induction, the role of nutritive cells, and many other key issues. This valuable work in cecidology will interest all biologists and botanists concerned with plant health, and entomologists working in the field of plant-insect relationships.

This volume offers contributions from leading experts in the biology of chaetognaths, or arrow worms--voracious carnivores which are exceptionally abundant in all the seas of the world. Until now there has been a lack of easily accessible information on this group, despite the fact that their vast numbers very likely render chaetognaths of major ecological significance in marine planktonic communities. This work is the first comprehensive survey. It deals with all aspects of chaetognath biology, including much recent and unpublished work. Two chapters are devoted to taxonomic relationships, two chapters cover morphology and anatomy, four chapters are concerned with physiology and behavior, three are devoted to ecology, and one chapter provides detailed information about the techniques necessary for studying the organism. The book will interest all marine biologists and zoologists working on plankton, along with invertebrate biologists, systematists, and advanced students of marine biology.

This book presents current research on all types of ant-plant interactions, and concentrates on understanding these often complex relationships in evolutionary and ecological terms. The range of interactions varies from herbivory (leaf-cutter ants) to complex symbiosis. Many ants prey on plant pests, thus protecting the plant from harm, receiving in exchange nectar and/or nest sites. In some cases the ants tend and protect other insects such as butterfly larvae or Homopterans (which include the aphids and cicadas) which may benefit the ants at the expense of both the host plant and the other insects. Some ants are known to be seed dispersers, and in at least one plant (cocoa) they appear to affect rates of pollination. A significant proportion of these interactions exhibit a high degree of mutualism, making this book part of a growing literature on the ecological determinants of mutualistic behaviour. The thirty-seven chapters by more than fifty contributors range in geographical coverage from northern and southern temperate zones, to the New World tropics, to Australia and south-east Asia. The emphasis throughout, even in the more descriptive chapters, is on possible explanations for observed phenomena. Workers in ecology, evolution, and behaviour will welcome this compendium of information on a subject that has become a modern testing-ground for evolutionary ecology.

This book provides an overview of our current understanding of polyembryony in insects. The study of polyembronic insects has advanced considerably over the last several decades.The book shows the exciting potential of polyembryonic insects and their impact on life sciences. It describes the mechanisms of polyembryogenesis; tissue-compatible invasion of the host, which is the first case of compatible cellular interaction between phylogenetically distant organisms without rejection; the sex differences in defense; and the environmental regulation of caste structure. The first book devoted to polyembryony in insects, it draws on the author's research on polyembryonic wasps from 1990 to the present day, covering various topics such as polyembryogenesis in vitro, host-parasite interaction, sex differences in soldier function/humoral toxic factor, and the transcription analysis of polyembryogenesis.It is intended not only for researchers in the field of entomology, parasitology, ontogeny, reproductive biology, developmental biology, sociobiology, and evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo), but also for postgraduate students in these fields.

Alternative protein sources are urgently required as the available land area is not sufficient to satisfy the growing demand for meat. Insects have a high potential of becoming a new sector in the food and feed industry, mainly because of the many environmental benefits when compared to meat production. This will be outlined in the book, as well as the whole process from rearing to marketing. The rearing involves large scale and small scale production, facility design, the management of diseases, and how to assure that the insects will be of high quality (genetics). The nutrient content of insects will be discussed and how this is influenced by life stage, diet, the environment and processing. Technological processing requires decontamination, preservation, and ensuring microbial safety. The prevention of health risks (e.g. allergies) will be discussed as well as labelling, certification and legislative frameworks. Additional issues are: insect welfare, the creation of an enabling environment, how to deal with consumers, gastronomy and marketing strategies. Examples of production systems will be given both from the tropics (palm weevils, grasshoppers, crickets) and from temperate zones (black soldier flies and house flies as feed and mealworms and crickets as food).

A systematic treatise on the Chrysididae, a globally distributed family of wasps, also known as gold wasps (for their bright metallic colours) or cuckoo wasps (for their parasitic habits). Some 3,000 valid species have been named and are arranged in 84 genera and 4 sub-families. This book is the first re-evaluation of their taxonomy since 1889 and its four main goals are: to provide a worldwide overview of the family, with re-classification of the generic and higher taxa; to summarize previously published information; to indicate problems in need of further study; to give detailed synonymic species lists for each genus, where synonymy refers to scientific names used in different nomenclature systems to designate the same species. Discussions for each tribe and sub-family include ancestral characteristics, phylogenetically important characters and a corresponding cladogram, keys to genera, and relationships amongst taxa. Generic discussions include generic synonymy and diagnostic features, relationships to other genera, and detailed species lists. The book should be of interest to entomologists, taxonomists and systematists, especially in academic departments, natural history museum

Prairie spaces and abundant wildflowers make Illinois an amateur lepidopterist's delight. Butterflies of Illinois offers a portable, easy-to-use guide rich with descriptions, field photography, and life-sized specimen photos of all the state's native species. It also includes:* identification quick guides depicting the tops and undersides of all butterfly species* scientific information and photos that explain life cycles, habitats, and ecology* range maps* flight period charts* key characteristics relevant to field identification* descriptions of rarely seen butterflies and irregular visitors from nearby states* supplemental information on various species, including collection records and unusual sightings Geared toward enthusiasts and experts alike, Butterflies of Illinois is a must-have companion for any nature hike or garden walk.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of chitin biology and chitin metabolism related enzymes. Chitin, the second most abundant biopolymer in nature after to cellulose, is a linear biopolymer composed of -1,4-linked N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), and an essential component in the exoskeletons of insects, mites, ticks and crustaceans, the egg shells of parasitic nematodes, and fungal cell walls. Although some chitin-containing organisms are a threat to human health, food safety and agricultural production, non-chitin containing organisms like humans, mammals and plants have an innate immune response to these hazardous organisms. The book provides researchers and students with information on the recent research advances concerning the biology of chitin-containing organisms as well as cross-talks between chitin-containing and non-chitin-containing organisms. Highlighting chitin remodeling enzymes and inhibitors, it also offers drug developers essential insights into designing specific molecules for the control of hazardous chitin-containing organisms.

This book explores one of the most discussed and investigated novel foods in recent years: edible insects. The increasing demand for alternative protein sources worldwide had led the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to promote the potential of using insects both for feed and food, establishing a program called "Edible Insects." Although several social, environmental, and nutritional benefits of the use of insects in the human diet have been identified, the majority of the population in Western countries rejects the idea of adopting insects as food, predominantly for cultural reasons. Nevertheless, international interest in promoting the consumption of insects has grown significantly, mainly in North America and Europe. This trend is mostly due to increasing attention and involvement from the scientific network and the food and feed industries, as well as governments and their constituents. The book explores the current state of entomophagy and identifies knowledge gaps to inform primary research institutions, students, members of the private sector, and policymakers to better plan, develop, and implement future research studies on edible insects as a sustainable source of food. The case studies and issues presented in this book cover highly up-to-date topics such as aspects of safety and allergies for human consumption, final meat quality of animals fed with insects, the legislative framework for the commercialization of this novel food, and other relevant issues.

Insect-scale flapping wing flight vehicles can conduct environmental monitoring, disaster assessment, mapping, positioning and security in complex and challenging surroundings. To develop bio-inspired flight vehicles, systematic probing based on the particular category of flight vehicles is needed. This Element addresses the aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, geometry, stability and dynamics of flexible flapping wings in the insect flight regime. The authors highlight distinct features and issues, contrast aerodynamic stability between rigid and flexible wings, present the implications of the wing-aspect ratio, and use canonical models and dragonflies to elucidate scientific insight as well as technical capabilities of bio-inspired design.

Domestic livestock in Africa are of importance not only as a source of milk and meat but also as a source of animal traction enabling farmers to cultivate larger areas, with crops providing the staple foods. Trypanosomosis, a parasitic disease transmitted cyclically by the tsetse fly (Glossina spp.), is arguably still the main constraint to livestock production on the continent, preventing full use of the land to feed the rapidly increasing human population. Sleeping sickness, the disease caused in humans by species of Trypanosoma, is an important and neglected disease posing a threat to millions of people in tsetse-infested areas. Often wrongly thought of as a disease of the past, the prevalence of human sleeping sickness is increasing in many areas.Although alternative methods to control the disease are being investigated, such as immunological approaches, use of chemotherapy or exploitation of the trypanotolerance trait, it is only control or eradication of the tsetse fly vector which will remove the threat of the disease rather than providing a better means of "living" with it. As a result of the economic impact of tsetse-transmitted Trypanosomosis, a large amount of research literature has been produced. This book provides a comprehensive review of this literature. The text is divided into four parts: tsetse biology and ecology, epidemiology, vector control and control of trypanosomosis. The book is invaluable for medical and veterinary entomologists, parasitologists and epidemiologists.

This lavishly illustrated guide will enable you to identify the caterpillars of nearly 700 butterflies and moths found east of the Mississippi. The more than 1,200 color photographs and two dozen line drawings include numerous exceptionally striking images. The giant silk moths, tiger moths, and many other species covered include forest pests, common garden guests, economically important species, and of course, the Mescal Worm and Mexican Jumping Bean caterpillars. Full-page species accounts cover almost 400 species, with up to six images per species including an image of the adult plus succinct text with information on distribution, seasonal activity, foodplants, and life history. These accounts are generously complemented with additional images of earlier instars, closely related species, noteworthy behaviors, and other intriguing aspects of caterpillar biology.

Many caterpillars are illustrated here for the first time. Dozens of new foodplant records are presented and erroneous records are corrected. The book provides considerable information on the distribution, biology, and taxonomy of caterpillars beyond that available in other popular works on Eastern butterflies and moths. The introductory chapter covers caterpillar structure, life cycles, rearing, natural enemies, photography, and conservation. The section titled "Caterpillar Projects" will be of special interest to educators.

Given the dearth of accessible guides on the identification and natural history of caterpillars, "Caterpillars of Eastern North America" is a must for entomologists and museum curators, forest managers, conservation biologists and others who seek a compact, easy-to-use guide to the caterpillars of this vast region.

A compact guide to nearly 700 caterpillars east of the Mississippi, from forest pests to garden guests and economically important species 1,200 color photos and 24 line drawings enable easy identification Full-page species accounts with image of adult insect for almost 400 species, plus succinct text on distribution and other vital information Many caterpillars illustrated here for the first time Current information on distribution, biology, and taxonomy not found in other popular works A section geared toward educators, "Caterpillar Projects" An indispensable resource for all who seek an easy-to-use guide to the caterpillars of this vast region

"Bugs Rule " provides a lively introduction to the biology and natural history of insects and their noninsect cousins, such as spiders, scorpions, and centipedes. This richly illustrated textbook features more than 830 color photos, a concise overview of the basics of entomology, and numerous sidebars that highlight and explain key points. Detailed chapters cover each of the major insect groups, describing their physiology, behaviors, feeding habits, reproduction, human interactions, and more.

Ideal for nonscience majors and anyone seeking to learn more about insects and their arthropod relatives, "Bugs Rule " offers a one-of-a-kind gateway into the world of these amazing creatures.Places a greater emphasis on natural history than standard textbooks on the subjectCovers the biology and natural history of all the insect ordersProvides a thorough review of the noninsect arthropods, such as spiders, scorpions, centipedes, millipedes, and crustaceansFeatures more than 830 color photosHighlights the importance of insects and other arthropods, including their impact on human societyAn online illustration package is available to professors

Shells have captivated humans from the dawn of time: the earliest known artwork was made on a shell. As well as containers for food, shells have been used as tools, jewellery and decorations for dwellings, and to bring good luck or to ward off spirits. Many indigenous peoples have used shells as currency, and in a few places they still do. This beautifully illustrated book looks at the scientific and cultural history of shells, showing how their diverse colourful forms take shape. It examines pearls, the only gems of animal origin, as well as how shells have inspired artists throughout history. The book looks at shells used in architecture and ritual, but also how shells are indicators of changing environmental conditions.