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Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Zoology & animal sciences > Invertebrates
The Superorganism promises to be one of the most important scientific works published in this decade. Coming eighteen years after the publication of The Ants, this new volume expands our knowledge of the social insects (among them, ants, bees, wasps, and termites) and is based on remarkable research conducted mostly within the last two decades. These superorganisms a tightly knit colony of individuals, formed by altruistic cooperation, complex communication, and division of labor represent one of the basic stages of biological organization, midway between the organism and the entire species. The study of the superorganism, as the authors demonstrate, has led to important advances in our understanding of how the transitions between such levels have occurred in evolution and how life as a whole has progressed from simple to complex forms. Ultimately, this book provides a deep look into a part of the living world hitherto glimpsed by only a very few."
Bees, both commercially managed honey bees and wild bees, play an important role in global food production. In the United States alone, the value of insect pollination to U.S. agricultural production is estimated at $16 billion annually, of which about three-fourths is attributable to honey bees. Worldwide, the contribution of bees and other insects to global crop production for human food is valued at about $190 billion. Given the importance of honey bees and other bee species to food production, many have expressed concern about whether a pollinator crisis has been occurring in recent decades. Over the past few decades there has been heightened concern about the plight of honey bees as well as other bee and pollinator species. This book provides a background on bee health. It also discusses the role of pesticides in bee health and provides guidance to risk assessors for evaluating the potential risk of pesticides to bees, particularly honey bees.
Forests possess many components and processes that provide an array of ecosystem goods and services: timber, energy and water savings, pollution reduction, livestock forage, habitat for plants and animals, recreation opportunities, aesthetic landscapes, and biodiversity that enhance people's quality of life. Forest resources also support local and regional economies through jobs and income generated from forestry, agriculture, tourism, and locational decisions of businesses, retirees, and others. The capability of a forest to provide these and many other ecosystem services and to maintain the quality of those ecosystem services depends on its health. A healthy forest is an essential component of a healthy ecosystem -- a natural system that is capable of self-renewal, resilient in its response to disturbances (such as pest, fire, and other non-human and human-caused disturbances), and able to sustain the integrity of the natural and cultural benefits derived from it. This book updates the literature review and synthesis of economic valuation studies on the impacts of forest insect pests by Rosenberger and Smith. This book also discusses the concept of ecosystem services; identifies key elements of each study; examines areas of future research; and includes appendices that further explain non-market valuation methods, a narrative of each study, and tables that summarise each study.
The third edition of Insect Resistance Management: Biology, Economics, and Prediction expands coverage by including three new chapters on African agriculture, genetic control of pests, and fitness costs of resistance. All remaining chapters have been updated to cover key scientific findings published since 2013. The coauthors have expertise in evolutionary biology, ecology, economics, epizootiology, statistics, modeling, IPM, and genetics. The original themes demonstrating the importance of economics, IPM, pest behavior, and the behavior of humans implementing insect resistance management (IRM) are still relevant. Entomologists and others developing experiments, models, regulations, or public policy will benefit from this book that avoids reliance on dogma by analyzing and synthesizing knowledge about a wide variety of species, landscapes, and stakeholder problems.
Neither pest management nor resistance management can occur with only an understanding of pest biology. For years, entomologists have understood, with their use of economic thresholds, that at least a minimal use of economics was necessary for proper integrated pest management. IRM is even more complicated and dependent on understanding and using socioeconomic factors. The new edition of "Insect Resistance Management" addresses these issues and much more. Many new ideas, facts and case studies have been developed since the previous edition of "Insect Resistance Management" published. With a new chapter focusing on Resistance Mechanisms Related to Plant-incorporated Toxins and heavily expanded revisions of several existing chapters, this new volume will be an invaluable resource for IRM researchers, practitioners, professors and advanced students. Authors in this edition include professors at major universities, leaders in the chemical and seed industry, evolutionary biologists and active IRM practitioners. This revision also contains more information about IRM outside North America, and a modeling chapter contains a large new section on uncertainty analysis, a subject recently emphasized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The final chapter contains a section on insecticidal seed treatments. No other book has the breadth of coverage of "Insect Resistance
Management, 2e." It not only covers molecular to economic issues,
but also transgenic crops, seed treatments and other pest
management tactics such as crop rotation. Major themes continuing
from the first edition include the importance of using IRM in the
integrated pestmanagement paradigm, the need to study and account
for pest behavior, and the influence of human behavior and decision
making in IRM.
Mass Production of Beneficial Organisms: Invertebrates and Entomopathogens, Second Edition explores the latest advancements and technologies for large-scale rearing and manipulation of natural enemies while presenting ways of improving success rate, predictability of biological control procedures, and demonstrating their safe and effective use. Organized into three sections, Parasitoids and Predators, Pathogens, and Invertebrates for Other Applications, this second edition contains important new information on production technology of predatory mites and hymenopteran parasitoids for biological control, application of insects in the food industry and production methods of insects for feed and food, and production of bumble bees for pollination. Beneficial organisms include not only insect predators and parasitoids, but also mite predators, nematodes, fungi, bacteria and viruses. In the past two decades, tremendous advances have been achieved in developing technology for producing these organisms. Despite that and the globally growing research and interest in biological control and biotechnology applications, commercialization of these technologies is still in progress. This is an essential reference and teaching tool for researchers in developed and developing countries working to produce "natural enemies" in biological control and integrated pest management programs.
Islands are special places; they can be havens for unique plants and animals and refuges for wildlife. This book investigates the biogeography of butterfly species over the British islands, particularly the factors that influence their presence on the islands and that have made each island's butterfly fauna distinctive. The book contains a full log of records of species on the islands and much supporting information. The first three chapters set the scene, illustrating the basics of island biogeography theory, their changing circumstances during the current Holocene interglacial, and studies of natural history of British butterflies that mark the islands as the most intensively studied region for wildlife in the world. The book advances by increasing resolution downscale from a European continental perspective, through patterns and changes on the British mainland, a comparison of the two dominant islands of Britain and Ireland, to a close inspection of the dynamics of species on the multitude of offshore islands. Detailed investigations include contrasts in species' richness on the islands and then of the incidences of each species. Case studies highlight the continual turnover of species on islands. Attention is then given to evolutionary changes since the time that glaciers enveloped Europe. A powerful message is conveyed for the maintenance of butterfly species on the smaller British islands now experiencing population losses at a rate unprecedented since the spread of the last ice sheets: the incontrovertible importance of maintaining populations of species on nearby mainland sources for islands as pools for future migrants.
Highly Recommended in CHOICE, Jan 2020, Vol 57, 5 Insects are key components of life on our planet, and their presence is essential for maintaining balanced terrestrial ecosystems. Without insects humans would struggle to survive, and on a world scale food production would be severely compromised. Many plants and animals depend directly or indirectly on insects for their very survival, and this is particularly so in the case of insectivorous birds and other such creatures. The beneficial role of insects is often overlooked or misunderstood, and in farming circles their very presence on crops is often seen to be unwelcome. In reality, however, many insects are genuinely beneficial, as in the case of parasitic and predacious species. The use of chemical pesticides to control crop pests is becoming more tightly regulated and environmentally undesirable, and low-input farming, in which natural enemies of pests are encouraged to survive or increase, is becoming far more prevalent. Accordingly, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Crop Management (ICM) strategies are increasingly being developed, advocated and adopted. Features: Highlights information on many groups of insects and mites that act as natural enemies or biological control agents of phytophagous insects and mites, including plant pests. Profusely illustrated with high-quality colour photographs. Focuses mainly on insects and mites as natural enemies of plant pests, including parasitic and predacious species that have been accidentally or deliberately introduced in classical biological control programmes. Reviews the role of phytophagous European insects and mites in controlling or managing European plants that have become invasive weeds in other parts of the world, notably North America, Australia and New Zealand.
This is the third in a series of catalogs and bibliographies of
the Cicadoidea covering 1981-2010. The work summarizes the cicada
literature, providing a means for easy access to information
previously published on a particular species or to allow
researchers the ability to locate similar work that has been
published on other species. A total of 2,591 references are
included in the bibliography. The book is a source of biological
and systematic information that could be used by zoologists,
entomologists, individuals interested in crop protection, and
students studying entomology as well as anyone interested in
cicadas or who require specific information on the insects. Each
genus/species is identified with the reference, the page number,
any figures (if applicable), the topics covered by the reference,
any synonymies, and any biogeographic information mentioned for the
species in the individual reference. An added benefit to the
catalog is that it is the first complete species list for the
Cicadoidea, including all synonymies and new combinations through
2012.
A first comprehensive synopsis of all aleocharine rove beetle species (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) recorded from eastern Canada, from Ontario to the Maritime Provinces inclusively, is presented. Four hundred and seven species in 96 genera, and 16 tribes are presented and discussed.Tribes and subtribes are arranged in presumably phylogenetic order as it is currently recognized. Genera and subgenera are listed alphabetically. Species are listed alphabetically or in species groups to better reflect their relationships. Species distribution is listed by abbreviated provinces and territories in Canada and abbreviated states in the United States. Geographic status is given to every species as Native, Holarctic or adventive with some species listed with undetermined status - adventive or Holarctic. Every treated species is presented with a diagnosis, including short description of body and description of the median lobe of aedeagus, spermatheca, and tergite and sternite VIII of both sexes. For each species a plate with colour habitus image and black and white images of genital structures is provided to aid with positive identification. Collection and habitat data (often new) are presented for each species, including data on macrohabitat, microhabitat, collecting period, and collecting methods.
Ants are probably the most dominant insect group on Earth,
representing ten to fifteen percent of animal biomass in
terrestrial ecosystems. Flowering plants, meanwhile, owe their
evolutionary success to an array of interspecific
interactions--such as pollination, seed dispersal, and
herbivory--that have helped to shape their great diversity. "The
Ecology and Evolution of Ant-Plant Interactions" brings together
findings from the scientific literature on the coevolution of ants
and plants to provide a better understanding of the unparalleled
success of these two remarkable groups, of interspecific
interactions in general, and ultimately of terrestrial biological
communities.
"Insect Molecular Genetics, Third Edition," summarizes and synthesizes two rather disparate disciplines-entomology and molecular genetics. This volume provides an introduction to the techniques and literature of molecular genetics; defines terminology; and reviews concepts, principles, and applications of these powerful tools. The world of insect molecular genetics, once dominated by "Drosophila," has become much more diverse, especially with the sequencing of multiple arthropod genomes (from spider mites to mosquitoes). This introduction includes discussion of honey bees, mosquitoes, flour beetles, silk moths, fruit flies, aphids, house flies, kissing bugs, cicadas, butterflies, tsetse flies and armyworms. This book serves as both a foundational text and a review of a
rapidly growing literature. With fully revised and updated
chapters, the third edition will be a valuable addition to the
personal libraries of entomologists, geneticists, and molecular
biologists.
Paleozoology and Paleoenvironments outlines the reconstruction of ancient climates, floras, and habitats on the basis of animal fossil remains recovered from archaeological and paleontological sites. In addition to outlining the ecological fundamentals and analytical assumptions attending such analyzes, J. Tyler Faith and R. Lee Lyman describe and critically evaluate many of the varied analytical techniques that have been applied to paleozoological remains for the purpose of paleoenvironmental reconstruction. These techniques range from analyses based on the presence or abundance of species in a fossil assemblage to those based on taxon-free ecological characterizations. All techniques are illustrated using faunal data from archaeological or paleontological contexts. Aimed at students and professionals, this volume will serve as fundamental resource for courses in zooarchaeology, paleontology, and paleoecology.
The latest volume in this series contains articles on insect growth
disruptors. The papers in this special issue give rise to key
themes for the future.
This latest volume in this series contains articles on Arachnid
Physiology and Behaviour.The papers in this special issue give rise
to key themes for the future.
"Insect Pests of Potato: Biology and Management" provides a
comprehensive source of up-to-date scientific information on the
biology and management of insects attacking potato crops, with an
international and expert cast of contributors providing its
contents. This book presents a complete review of the scientific
literature from the considerable research effort over the last 15
years, providing the necessary background information to the
subject of studying the biology management of insect pests of
potatoes, assessment of recent scientific advances, and a list of
further readings. This comprehensive review will be of great
benefit to a variety of scientists involved in potato research and
production, as well as to those facing similar issues in other crop
systems.
This fully revised and updated second edition of Insect Pests of Potato now includes an opening section with a basic overview of agronomic and economic issues as they relate to potato production. It also features a new section that reviews potato production, as well as problems caused by insect pests and solutions to these problems, in all major potato-growing regions of the world. Further, a new section discusses theoretical foundations of potato pest management and includes chapters on ecological theory, evolutionary theory, and a case study on their applications to elucidate differences between Eastern and Western populations of Colorado potato beetle in North America. There is also a new chapter on the foundations of integrated pest management and their applications in controlling insect pests. The sections on the biology of main pests and on control methods now feature the latest information, including emphasis on recent advances in molecular biology and genomics. Information on the use of dsRNA technology for pest control is also included, as are new chapters on potato ladybirds and on hemipterous pests other than aphids and psyllids. This second edition provides improved integration and logical connections among chapters and expanded geographic scope of coverage making it the ideal reference on the topic.
"Advances in Insect Physiology" is committed to publishing volumes
containing comprehensive and in-depth reviews on all aspects of
insect physiology. First published in 1963, these volumes are an
essential reference source for invertebrate physiologists, insect
neurobiologists, entomologists, zoologists and insect biochemists.
This volume is themed on small RNAs and RNAi in insects.
The first edition of Tanada and Kaya s "Insect Pathology" is the standard reference in the field for researchers and both undergraduate and graduate students and is well known worldwide among entomologists. However, the field has seen rapid advances in the 20 years since its original publication, and the new edition brings together an essential and updated resource for researchers with 13 chapters edited by Fernando E. Vega and Harry K. Kaya. Many of these advances involve new insights on ecology as well
as phylogenetics and molecular biology of viruses, bacteria, fungi,
microsporidia, nematodes, and protists. All these aspects, as well
as basic biology, diagnosis, infectious process and pathogenesis,
host response, transmission and more, are covered by renowned
experts in their respective fields. The second edition of "Insect
Pathology" includes chapters on the history of this discipline,
principles of microbial control and epizootiology, diseases of
beneficial insects, host resistance, and Wolbachia. This thoroughly
illustrated and up-to-date revision will provide insect
pathologists, entomologists, microbiologists, mycologists,
nematologists, protistologists, ecologists, and practitioners of
biological control of insect pests with a solid and much-needed
reference.
Comprising well over half of all known animal species, insects are the most successful organisms on the planet. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that one cannot study agriculture, biology, and the environment, without a basic understanding of entomology. Furthermore, insects are indispensable to advances in molecular biology and genetics, and their ongoing decline in many parts of the world has stimulated much research in the crucial roles they play in global ecosystems. However, the sheer diversity of insects can be a challenge to every newcomer to entomology. Most entomology textbooks tend to focus on insect biology, leaving readers with only a superficial idea of insect diversity and evolution, while others delve into too much detail that will deter the novice. In contrast, Essential Entomology has a clear taxonomic structure that provides readers with the necessary framework to understand the diversity, life history, and taxonomy of insects in a new light. This fully revised edition provides the most up-to-date guide to insects and includes all the major developments in molecular biology and palaeontology of the last 20 years. This textbook is an essential read for undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in entomology, agriculture, and forestry. It will also appeal to a broad academic audience of ecologists, conservationists, natural resource managers, as well as to the far more numerous general readers who are interested in wildlife, nature, and the environment. With these diverse audiences in mind, the straightforward and accessible style of the first edition has been maintained, technical jargon has been kept to a minimum, and sufficient background information is provided to enable the reader to follow the text with ease.
This latest volume in this series contains articles on Arachnid
Physiology and Behaviour.The papers in this special issue give rise
to key themes for the future. * Contributions from the leading researchers in entomology * Discusses Arachnid physiology and behavior * Includes in-depth reviews with valuable information for a variety of entomology disciplines
The publication of the extensive seven-volume work "Comprehensive Molecular Insect Science" provided a complete reference encompassing important developments and achievements in modern insect science. One of the most swiftly moving areas in entomological and comparative research is endocrinology, and this volume, "Insect Endocrinology, " is designed for those who desire a comprehensive yet concise work on important aspects of this topic. Because this area has moved quickly since the original publication, articles in this new volume are revised, highlighting developments in the related area since its original publication. "Insect Endocrinology" covers the mechanism of action of insect
hormones during growth and metamorphosis as well as the role of
insect hormones in reproduction, diapause and the regulation of
metabolism. Contents include articles on the juvenile hormones,
circadian organization of the endocrine system, ecdysteroid
chemistry and biochemistry, as well as new chapters on insulin-like
peptides and the peptide hormone Bursicon. This volume will be of
great value to senior investigators, graduate students,
post-doctoral fellows and advanced undergraduate research students.
It can also be used as a reference for graduate courses and
seminars on the topic. Chapters will also be valuable to the
applied biologist or entomologist, providing the requisite
understanding necessary for probing the more applied research
areas.
The Field Guide to Freshwater Invertebrates of North America
focuses on freshwater invertebrates that can be identified using at
most an inexpensive magnifying glass. This Guide will be useful for
experienced nature enthusiasts, students doing aquatic field
projects, and anglers looking for the best fish bait, lure, or
fly.Color photographs and art, as well as the broad geographic
coverage, set this guide apart. Introductory chapters instruct the reader on how to use the book, different inland water habitats and basic ecological relationships of freshwater invertebrates Broad taxonomic coverage is more comprehensive than any guide currently available"
Microbial Biodegradation and Bioremediation: Techniques and Case Studies for Environmental Pollution, Second Edition describes the successful application of microbes and their derivatives for bioremediation of potentially toxic and relatively novel compounds in the environment. Our natural biodiversity and environment is in danger due to the release of continuously emerging potential pollutants by anthropogenic activities. Though many attempts have been made to eradicate and remediate these noxious elements, thousands of xenobiotics of relatively new entities emerge every day, thus worsening the situation. Primitive microorganisms are highly adaptable to toxic environments, and can reduce the load of toxic elements by their successful transformation and remediation. This completely updated new edition presents many new technologies and techniques and includes theoretical context and case studies in every chapter. Microbial Biodegradation and Bioremediation: Techniques and Case Studies for Environmental Pollution, Second Edition serves as a single-source reference and encompasses all categories of pollutants and their applications in a convenient, comprehensive format for researchers in environmental science and engineering, pollution, environmental microbiology, and biotechnology. |
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