Zoology: invertebrates Books

Book SynopsisWhile the subject of environmental stress in animals is broad, the available information is fragmentary and lacks an up-to-date overview and analysis. Environmental Stress and Cellular Response in Arthropods fills these knowledge gaps. Written by three experts from the same institution, the chapters have a consistency not often found in multi-authored or contributed books. The authors describe environmental stress in arthropods, specifically Drosophila and analyze the process in all its aspects, from biochemical mechanisms to effects on the whole organism. Incorporating new information that has become available in recent years, the authors explore hypotheses about the integrated response these systems often have. They explore topics ranging from disturbance of homeostasis, changes in metabolic processes, damage of cellular structures to acquired tolerance, effects on aging processes, and survival and cell death. By analyzing all these aspects in detail at the moleculaTable of ContentsBasal Signal Transduction Systems Involved in Stress Response. The Stress-protein System. The Oxidative Stress Response System. The Metallothionein System. The Mixed Function Oxygenase System. The Role of Cellular Response Systems in Developing Tolerance to Environmental Stress. The Effects of Environmental Stress on Aging and Cell Death. The Integrated Cellular Stress Defense System.

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Book Synopsis* First reference text in agricultural entomology with a global perspective to be published in many decades * Written by one of the world s leading entomologists * Illustrated in full colour throughout for ease of identification of both the insect pest and the crop damage symptoms .Trade Review“In summary, an excellent, well-illustrated handbook and a highly welcome addition to the literature of a very practical nature.” (Experimental Agriculture, 1 January 2014) “Although the book might be too basic for researchers and professionals in the area, it is definitely a valuable resource for students and the general public. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All undergraduate students and general readers.” (Choice, 1 October 2013) “The book is completed with a bibliography and index. Overall it provides a very useful introduction to the range of insects that can be found in farming areas.” (International Pest Control, 1 July 2013) “For those with an interest in the birds of Iowa, raptors in general, or bird art.” (The Guardian, 1 April 2013) “Handbook of Agricultural Entomology by Helmut van Emden is a landmark publication for students and practitioners of entomology applied to agriculture and horticulture. It can be used as a reference and as a general textbook.” (Birdbooker Report, 15 April 2013) “Written by one of the world's leading entomologists, Handbook of Agricultural Entomology is a landmark publication for students and practitioners of entomology applied to agriculture and horticulture. It can be used as a reference and as a general textbook.” (Phys.org, 18 March 2013)"it is intended as an affordable stand-alone text for the budding entomologist in need of a basic understanding of insect taxonomy and a world view of applied entomology. With this in mind, this very well written and delightfully engaging book certainly succeeds." (Bulletin of the Entomological Society of Canada 2014)Table of ContentsCompanion Website details xv Preface xvii Acknowledgements xxi 1 The world of insects 1 1.1 The diversity of insects 1 1.2 The impact of insects on us 1 1.3 The impact we have on insects 5 1.4 Exploitation of insects 6 1.5 Other uses humans make of insects 6 1.6 Insect classification 7 2 External features of insects – structure and function 9 2.1 Introduction 9 2.2 The exoskeleton 10 2.3 The basic body plan of the insect 11 2.4 The head 11 2.5 The thorax 16 2.6 The abdomen 22 3 The major divisions of the Insecta 25 3.1 Introduction 25 3.2 Class Insecta, Subclass Apterygota or Phylum Arthropoda, Class Entognatha 25 3.3 Subclass Pterygota 26 4 Subclass Apterygota 31 4.1 Introduction 31 4.2 Order Diplura (two-pronged bristle-tails) 31 4.3 Order Protura 31 4.4 Order Thysanura (silverfi sh) 32 4.5 Order Collembola (springtails) 33 5 Subclass Pterygota, Division Exopterygota, Palaeopteran Orders 36 5.1 Introduction 36 5.2 Order Ephemeroptera (mayfl ies) 36 5.3 Order Odonata (dragonfl ies) 38 6 Subclass Pterygota, Division Exopterygota, Orthopteroid Orders 42 6.1 Introduction 42 6.2 Order Plecoptera (stoneflies) 43 6.3 Order Grylloblattodea 43 6.4 Order Mantophasmatodea (gladiators or heelwalkers) 44 6.5 Order Zoraptera (angel insects) 44 6.6 Order Orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets) 44 6.7 Order Phasmida (stick and leaf insects) 51 6.8 Order Dermaptera (earwigs) 52 6.9 Order Embioptera (web spinners) 53 6.10 Order Dictyoptera (cockroaches and mantids) 54 6.11 Order Isoptera (termites) 57 7 Subclass Pterygota, Division Exopterygota, Hemipteroid Orders 63 7.1 Introduction 63 7.2 Order Psocoptera (booklice) 63 7.3 Order Mallophaga (biting lice) 64 7.4 Order Anoplura (= Siphunculata) (sucking lice) 64 7.5 Order Hemiptera (true bugs) 65 7.6 Order Thysanoptera (thrips or thunderflies) 106 8 Subclass Pterygota, Division Endopterygota, Lesser Orders 112 8.1 Introduction 112 8.2 Order Mecoptera (scorpion flies) 112 8.3 Order Siphonaptera (fleas) 113 8.4 Order Neuroptera 114 8.5 Order Trichoptera (caddis flies) 119 8.6 Order Strepsiptera (stylops) 120 9 Subclass Pterygota, Division Endopterygota, Order Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) 124 9.1 Introduction 124 9.2 Suborder Glossata 128 10 Subclass Pterygota, Division Endopterygota, Order Diptera (true flies) 159 10.1 Introduction 159 10.3 Suborder Brachycera 173 10.4 Suborder Cyclorrhapha 174 11 Subclass Pterygota, Division Endopterygota, Order Hymenoptera (sawflies, ants, bees and wasps) 193 11.1 Introduction 193 11.2 Suborder Symphyta (sawflies) 194 11.3 Suborder Apocrita (ants, bees, wasps and parasitic wasps) 198 12 Subclass Pterygota, Division Endopterygota, Order Coleoptera (beetles) 221 12.1 Introduction 221 12.2 Suborder Adephaga 225 12.3 Suborder Polyphaga 231 13 Class Arachnida 272 13.1 Introduction 272 13.2 Subclass Araneida (spiders) 272 13.3 Subclass Acarina (mites and ticks) 274 Bibliography 284 Index 287

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Book SynopsisPart of Wiley-Blackwell's highly successful Annual Plant Reviews, Annual Plant Reviews: Insect-Plant Interactions provides scientists with cutting edge, up-to-date information on biochemical and molecular aspects of a wide array of often commercially important and fascinating interactions between plants and insects.Table of ContentsList of Contributors xv Preface xxi Section 1 Biochemistry of Insect-Plant Interactions 1 Plants Recognize Herbivorous Insects by Complex Signalling Networks 1 Gustavo Bonaventure 1.1 Introduction 1 1.1.1 The feeding behaviour of insects is an important determinant of the plant’s defence response 1 1.1.2 Insect-associated elicitors are specific elicitors of plant responses to insect feeding or egg deposition 2 1.2 Resistance (R) genes in the perception of piercing-sucking insects 6 1.3 Modification of elicitors by plant enzymes 8 1.4 Changes in Vm, Ca2+influx and reactive oxygen intermediate generation are early cellular events induced in plants by insect feeding 9 1.5 Shared signal transduction components in microbe and insect elicitor perception 12 1.6 Regulation of phytohormone accumulation and signaling during insect feeding 14 1.6.1 Jasmonic acid 17 1.6.2 Ethylene 20 1.6.3 Salicylic acid 21 1.7 Interconnection of the phytohormone system in plants 22 1.8 Conclusions and perspectives 23 Acknowledgements 24 References 24 2 Herbivore Oral Secretions are the First Line of Protection Against Plant-Induced Defences 37 Gary W. Felton, Seung Ho Chung, Maria Gloria Estrada Hernandez, Joe Louis, Michelle Peiffer and Donglan Tian 2.1 Introduction 38 2.2 Origin of herbivore secretions and initiation of contact with the host plant 40 2.2.1 Piercing-sucking herbivores 41 2.2.2 Chewing herbivores 42 2.3 How do herbivores deliver effectors to the host plant? 45 2.4 Examples of HAMPs and effectors 46 2.4.1 Piercing-sucking herbivores 46 2.4.2 Chewing herbivores 49 2.5 Effectors and host targets 54 2.6 Effectors and the host plant diet 56 2.7 Metagenomes: The interkingdom crossroads of the host plant, herbivore, and microbiome 56 Acknowledgements 62 References 62 3 Insect Detoxification and Sequestration Strategies 77 David G. Heckel 3.1 Introduction 77 3.2 Diverse roles of insect cytochromes P450 78 3.2.1 Furanocoumarin detoxification by Papilio spp. and others 79 3.2.2 Monoterpene detoxification and pheromone biosynthesis in pine bark beetles 84 3.2.3 Gossypol and CYP6AE14 in Helicoverpa armigera 85 3.2.4 Cactophilic Drosophila and alkaloid detoxification 85 3.3 Cyanogenic glucosides 86 3.4 Glucosinolates 89 3.5 Oglucosides and leaf beetles 93 3.6 Pyrrolizidine alkaloids 97 3.7 Glycosylation of host plant compounds 99 3.8 Non-protein amino acids 101 3.9 Iridoid glucosides 102 3.10 Cardenolides 103 3.11 Conclusions 106 Acknowledgements 107 References 107 4 Plant Semiochemicals – Perception and Behavioural Responses by Insects 115 Andreas Reinecke and Monika Hilker 4.1 Introduction 115 4.2 A semiochemical’s route to the neuron 118 4.2.1 Surfing the surface – A matter of chemo-physical interaction 120 4.2.2 Odorant binding proteins, chemosensory proteins 122 4.2.3 Eliciting signals – Odorant receptors and sensory neuron responses to odorants 123 4.2.4 The clean-up company – Odorant-degrading enzymes 128 4.2.5 Odour perception – Summary 128 4.3 Behavioural responses of insects to plant volatiles 129 4.3.1 Biotic habitat factors influencing plant odour dispersal and insect orientation 130 4.3.2 Biotic factors affecting plant odour emission 131 4.3.3 ‘Wise’ responses to plant odours? The impact of odour experience on insect behaviour 132 4.3.4 Sick insects and their responses to plant odour 134 4.3.5 Age-dependency of insect responses to plant odour 134 4.3.6 Adjusting the responses to plant odour according to the needs 135 4.4 Conclusions 136 References 137 Section 2 Genetics and Genomics of Insect-Plant Interactions 5 Plant Transcriptomic Responses to Herbivory 155 Hanna M. Heidel-Fischer, Richard O. Musser and Heiko Vogel 5.1 Introduction 155 5.2 Mechanical wounding, feeding mode and HAMPs 157 5.3 Wounding rates and salivary gland applications 158 5.4 Responses to insects from different feeding guilds 165 5.4.1 Chewing herbivores 167 5.4.2 Piercing-sucking herbivores 168 5.4.3 The pitfalls of the generalist-specialist paradigm 171 5.5 A meta-analysis of microarray studies on transcriptomic responses to herbivory 172 5.6 Simultaneous attack or multiple feeding 176 5.7 Transcriptomics responses to herbivory – An outlook 179 5.7.1 Open questions 179 5.7.2 New tools and approaches 181 Acknowledgements 182 References 182 6 Transcriptome Responses in Herbivorous Insects Towards Host Plant and Toxin Feeding 197 Heiko Vogel, Richard O. Musser and Maria de la Paz Celorio-Mancera 6.1 Introduction 198 6.2 Challenges for insect herbivores and inducible responses 200 6.2.1 Phytohormones 202 6.2.2 Plant defensive chemicals – Toxins and deterrents 205 6.2.3 Proteinaceous effectors 210 6.2.4 Plant nutrients 212 6.2.5 Whole plant, tissue and organ feeding 214 6.2.6 Common expression signatures and specific differences 215 6.3 Genomic responses to plant and toxin feeding – An outlook 218 6.3.1 Open questions 218 6.3.2 New tools and approaches 221 Acknowledgements 223 References 223 7 Quantitative Genetics and Genomics of Plant Resistance to Insects 235 Daniel J. Kliebenstein 7.1 Introduction 235 7.2 Metabolites 238 7.2.1 Glucosinolates 238 7.2.2 Maysin 245 7.2.3 Tomato trichome chemistry 245 7.2.4 Saponins 246 7.3 Physical defences 246 7.4 Signal transduction variation 248 7.5 Physiology 249 7.6 Why have genetic variation in defence? 249 7.7 Summary 250 References 252 Section 3 Ecology and Evolution of Insect-Plant Interactions 8 Costs of Resistance in Plants: From Theory to Evidence 263 Don Cipollini, Dale Walters and Claudia Voelckel 8.1 The cost-benefit paradigm 263 8.1.1 Hypotheses of plant defence 265 8.1.2 Why do plants have induced defences? 272 8.2 Measuring fitness costs and benefits of plant defence traits 276 8.2.1 Generating trait variation 276 8.2.2 The empirical evidence for costs of resistance 284 8.3 Ecologically relevant settings 289 8.3.1 Competition 290 8.3.2 Nutrient availability 293 8.3.3 Multiple enemies 294 8.3.4 Enemies vs. mutualists 295 8.4 Conclusions 297 References 297 9 Plant-mediated Interactions Among Insects within a Community Ecological Perspective 309 Erik H. Poelman and Marcel Dicke 9.1 Introduction to plant-mediated species interactions 309 9.1.1 Plant-based insect community structure 309 9.1.2 Plant-mediated species interactions 311 9.2 Plant-mediated species interactions among herbivores 313 9.2.1 Specificity of plant responses to herbivores 313 9.2.2 Asymmetric plant-mediated effects on herbivore performance 314 9.2.3 Plant-mediated effects on herbivore oviposition 315 9.3 Three trophic level interactions 316 9.3.1 Attraction of natural enemies 316 9.3.2 Herbivore diversity affects plant-mediated interactions with natural enemies 318 9.4 Aboveground-belowground interactions 319 9.5 Herbivore-pollinator interactions 320 9.6 Plant-mediated species interactions in a community 322 9.6.1 Plant-mediated interactions involving multiple herbivores 322 9.6.2 Carnivores affecting plant-mediated interactions in communities 325 9.6.3 Plant-mediated interactions beyond individual plants 326 9.7 Synthesis in the context of plant fitness and future directions 327 References 329 10 The Altitudinal Niche-Breadth Hypothesis in Insect-Plant Interactions 339 Sergio Rasmann, Nadir Alvarez and Löıc Pellissier 10.1 Introduction – Variation of niche-breadth along ecological gradients 340 10.2 Herbivorous insects, from specialists to generalists 343 10.3 Evidence for an altitudinal gradient in niche-breadth and climatic variability 344 10.3.1 Does environmental variability increase with increasing altitude? 345 10.3.2 Does variability in host-plant population size increase with increasing altitude? 346 10.4 The altitudinal niche-breadth paradigm 348 10.4.1 Pollinators 348 10.4.2 Herbivores, plant quality and plant defences 349 10.4.3 Predator effects on herbivores 350 10.5 Outlook – Other factors influencing altitudinal niche breadth evolution studies 351 10.5.1 Phylogenetic constraints and correlated life-history traits 351 10.5.2 Phylogeography 352 10.5.3 Phytophagous insect abundance 352 10.5.4 Range size 353 10.5.5 Non-linear relationship along the altitudinal clines 353 10.6 Conclusion 354 Acknowledgements 354 References 354 11 Revisiting Plant-Herbivore Co-Evolution in the Molecular Biology Era 361 Georg Jander 11.1 Introduction 361 11.2 Glucosinolates in the Brassicaceae 363 11.3 Benzoxazinoids in the Poaceae 365 11.4 Evolution from primary metabolism 367 11.5 Convergent evolution of defence pathways 368 11.6 Rapid adaptation through modular biosynthetic pathways 370 11.7 Specialist herbivores have evolved to detoxify secondary metabolites 371 11.8 Costs of plant resistance 372 11.9 Molecular phylogenetic evidence for co-evolution 374 11.10 The benefits of metabolic pathway co-regulation 374 11.11 Modification of secondary metabolites as a form of defensive priming 375 11.12 Use of secondary metabolites as defensive signals 377 11.13 Conclusion and future prospects 378 References 379 Index 385

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Book SynopsisThis volume covers all aspects of reproduction and development of the entire spectrum of invertebrates - terrestrial, marine, freshwater, brackish water, free-living and parasitic.Table of ContentsPlatyhelminthes (I. Fairweather). Nemertina (M. Tarpin). Nematoda (M. Fleming). Mollusca (S. Smith R. Croll). Annelida--Polychaeta (P. Olive). Annelida--Oligochaeta and Hirudinea (R. Marcel). Arthropoda--Chelicerata (W. Kaufman). Arthropoda--Crustacea (F. Van Herp D. Soyez). Arthropoda--Insecta (T. Adams). Indexes.

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Book SynopsisThis is the first of three volumes which record progress in knowledge of the ultrastructure and phylogeny of spermatozoa of the invertibrates since pubication since of a previous volumes in this series on spermiogenesis and sperm function (1983).Table of ContentsPorifera (N. Boury-Esnault & B. Jamieson). Cnidaria and Ctenophora (P. Harrison & B. Jamieson). Platyhelminthes (N. Watson). Nemertea (?. Franzen & B. Afzelius). Rotifera (G. Melone & M. Ferraguti). Gastrotricha (M. Balsamo, et al.). Kinorhyncha (A. Adrianov & V. Malakhov). Nematomorpha (R. Valvassori, et al.). Acanthocephala M. Carcupino & B. Dezfuli). Indexes.

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Book SynopsisThis volume considers functional morphology and parallels the established Belhaven palaeontological studies. It concentrates on the taxonomic groups that are of interest to palaeontologists and also includes substantial material on recent invertebrates as well as fossils.Table of ContentsPartial table of contents: IDEAS, METHODS AND TOOLS. Introduction to Functional Morphology (E. Savazzi). Comparative Issues: Homology, Homoplasy and Evolution in FunctionalAdaptation (A. Minelli). The Paradigm Method (C. Paul). Invertebrate Structural Colours (A. Parker). Conodonts: Functional Analysis of Disarticulated SkeletalStructures (M. Purnell). MOLLUSCA. Terrestrial Gastropods (C. Paul). Anti-Predator Defences of Shelled Gastropods (A. Kohn). Life Habits of Ammonoids (G. Westermann C. Tsujita). Scaphopoda (E. Yochelson). BRACHIOPODA. Function of External Skeletal Characteristics of ArticulateBrachiopods (R. Alexander). Function of Shell Microstructure and Internal Morphology ofArticulate Brachiopods (R. Alexander). The Theoretical Enigma of Non-Biconvex Brachiopod Shell Form (G.McGhee). Morphological Consequences of Mass Extinction in Brachiopods: ATheoretical Perspective (G. McGhee). ARTHROPODA. Kazacharthra (K. McKenzie P. Chen). Ostracods (K. McKenzie, et al.). A Few Case Histories of Cirripeds (E. Savazzi). The Trilobite Exoskeleton (R. Fortey R. Owens). OTHER PHYLA. Echinoderms and Calcichordates (S. Donovan). Serpulid Polychaetes (E. Savazzi). Fossil Colonial Corals: Colony Type and Growth Form (G.Young). Fossil Colonial Corals: Growth Patterns and Coral-SubstrateRelationships (G. Young). Index.

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Book SynopsisThere are about 8,000 named species of moths in our region, and although most are unnoticed by the public, many attract attention when their larvae create economic damage: eating holes in woolens and damaging crops and garden plants. This book treats an important component of the western insect biota - moths and their plant relationships.Trade Review"A must have for those with a serious interest in the Lepidoptera of Western North America." Scienceblogs.com/The GuardianTable of ContentsPART ONE Introduction to Lepidoptera and Moths Morphology Biology Significance in Natural and Human Communities Fossil Record and Evolution A History of Moth Collectors in Western North America PART TWO Classification and Natural History of the Moths of Western North America Primitive Lineages Zeugloptera Clade Superfamily Micropterigoidea Glossata, Homoneura Clade Superfamily Eriocranioidea Exoporia Clade Superfamily Hepialoidea Clade Heteroneura, Monotrysia Clade Superfamily Nepticuloidea Superfamily Incurvarioidea Superfamily Tischerioidea Ditrysia, Nonapoditrysian Superfamilies Superfamily Tineoidea Superfamily Gracillarioidea Superfamily Gelechioidea Superfamily Gelechioidea, Oecophorid Lineage Superfamily Gelechioidea, Elachistid Lineage Superfamily Yponomeutoidea Apoditrysia Nonobtectomeran Superfamilies Superfamily Schreckensteinioidea Superfamily Epermenioidea Superfamily Alucitoidea Superfamily Pterophoroidea Superfamily Choreutoidea Superfamily Sesioidea Superfamily Cossoidea Superfamily Tortricoidea Superfamily Zygaenoidea Marc E. Epstein and James K. Adams Unspecialized Obtectomera Superfamily Copromorphoidea Superfamily Thyridoidea Obtectomera Superfamily Pyraloidea Macrolepidoptera Superfamily Drepanoidea Superfamily Geometroidea Superfamily Mimallonoidea Superfamily Lasiocampoidea Superfamily Bombycoidea Superfamily Noctuoidea SUGGESTIONS FOR COLLECTING AND OBSERVING MOTHS GLOSSARY INSECT INDEX PLANT INDEX GENERAL INDEX Color Plates

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Book SynopsisEntomology and the Law concerns the use of insects to solve crimes, particularly suspicious deaths. Insect-related evidence is one if the most powerful, yet least understood examples of modern forensic science. Covering both the scientific and legal issues, it will aid potential expert witnesses and lawyers alike preparing for trial.Trade Review'… the authors are to be congratulated on a book of sound scholarship and of great practical value.' Science & JusticeTable of ContentsGlossary; Part I: Preface to Part I; 1. A history of flies; 2. Forensic biology of flies; 3. Estimating time of death; 4. Keys to the eggs, larvae, pupae and adults of some forensically important flies; 5. The fly in court; Entomological references; Part II: Preface to Part II; 6. The law of scientific evidence; 7. The admissibility of forensic entomology evidence; 8. The introduction and optimal use of forensic entomology evidence at trial; Conclusion; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe marine zooplankton is one of the most fascinating and diverse assemblages of animals known to biologists. This is a new edition of the successful student's manual providing a photographic guide to representative forms of the major groups from medusae and comb jellies to larval fish and squid. In it, only live and active organisms have been photographed, giving a unique visual perspective. In this new edition, the taxonomy and morphology have been revised and brought up to date, so that combined with information on behaviour and development, this book creates a vivid and essential reference text for all those interested in marine zooplankton.Trade Review'The book can be recommended for use as a field and laboratory guide for students studying coastal zooplankton at the undergraduate level. At the very reasonable price of £15.95 … others with an interest in coastal zooplankton may also wish to add this book to their reference collection for the sheer diversity of the fauna portrayed in the photographs.' Jocelyn Richard, Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and EcologyTable of ContentsFrontispiece; Introduction; Identification, taxonomy and suggested source material; Phylum Sarcomastigophora (Protozoa); Phylum Cnidaria; Phylum Ctenophora; Phylum Nemertea; Phylum Annelida; Phylum Arthropoda; Phylum Chaetognatha; Phylum Bryozoa; Phylum Phoronida; Phylum Mollusca; Phylum Echinodermata; Phylum Hemichordata; Phylum Urochordata; Phylum Chordata; Index.

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Book SynopsisTargeting students and researchers unfamiliar with spiders as well providing a resource for those already working in the field, this book explores the variability and plasticity found in spider behaviour. It covers a broad range of behaviours from foraging and web building to communication and courtship.Trade Review'I consider this book to be as seminal as Choe and Crespi's edited volumes … enormously valuable to graduate students searching for research projects … established behavioural researchers who specialize on spiders will find the book to be an excellent resource. At the recent Animal Behavior Society meeting, at a 'Spider Lunch', a diverse group of my arachnological colleagues raved about how marvelous this book is. I learned a great deal from it, even in areas that I follow with regularity. The book will also be of interest to a wide range of animal behaviourists, regardless of their research organism. Researchers and lecturers without an arachnid background can use this book to get up to speed.' Animal Behaviour'This volume boasts a dream team of authors, including rising stars and field luminaries, each summarizing their respective fields. The book emphasizes the flexibility, versatility, and sheer diversity of spider behavior. Generally, it takes on the daunting task of summarizing all of spider behavior with remarkable finesse. One of the volume's most impressive feats is its attention to the recent literature in rapidly moving subfields. Doubtlessly the text is destined to serve a valuable reference for both arachnologists and behaviorists. Personally, I know I will be assigning this volume to both undergraduate and graduate students for years to come. I suspect so will many others.' Jonathan N. Pruitt, The Quarterly Review of Biology'… well written and very well edited … I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, and recommend it for anyone wishing to gain a good understanding of spiders in general, and their behaviours in particular.' B. Staffan Lindgren, Bulletin of the Entomological Society of CanadaTable of Contents1. Introduction Marie E. Herberstein and Anne Wignall; 2. Foraging behaviour Ximena J. Nelson and Robert R. Jackson; 3. Web building behaviour Marie E. Herberstein and I-Min Tso; 4. Anti-predator behaviour Ximena J. Nelson and Robert R. Jackson; 5. Communication Gabriele Uhl and Damian Elias; 6. Deception Marie E. Herberstein and Anne Wignall; 7. Mating behaviour and sexual selection Jutta Schneider and Maydianne Andrade; 8. Group living in spiders: cooperative breeding and coloniality Trine Bilde and Yael Lubin; 9. Plasticity, learning and cognition Elizabeth Jakob, Christa Skow and Skye Long; 10. Kleptoparasitic spiders - a special case of behavioural plasticity Mary Whitehouse; Index.

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Book SynopsisIn Butterflies leading expert Dick Vane-Wright provides a complete introduction to the biology, natural history and classification of this major group of animals. Using examples from around the world and eye-catching photographs, this complete introduction explores what it means to be a butterfly.Trade Review'...this colourful book is a fascinating introduction to the complex world of the butterfly...If you want to learn about false eyes or false heads, mimicry and mockers, adaption and evolution, it's all here. Once you've read this book, even the cabbage white will never look the same again.' Review for the previous edition, New ScientistTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. Becoming 2. Mating 3. Laying 4. Eating 5. Flying 6. Communicating7. Varying8. Evolving9. Butterfly futures Appendix Glossary Index Further informationPicture credits and acknowledgements 128

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Book SynopsisInteresting Shells presents striking and beautiful shell portraits, each one specially selected by expert curators at the Natural History Museum, London.Trade Review'Gorgeous' - BBC Wildlife 'Anyone with a sense of beauty and aesthetics would be moved to see what natural selection has achieved in the composition, form and colour of these shells... beautiful' The Macologist 'It is hard to pick just a few of the many thought-provoking pieces of information that are included in this book.. The photographs are excellent throughout... it is a 'conchological chocolate box': dip in and sample its delights.' Mollusc World

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Book SynopsisThe majority of undergraduate texts in invertebrate zoology (of which there are many) fall into one of two categories. They either offer a systematic treatment of groups of animals phylum by phylum, or adopt a functional approach to the various anatomical and physiological systems of the better known species. The Invertebrates is the first and only textbook to integrate both approaches and thus meet the modern teaching needs of the subject. This is the only invertebrate textbook to integrate systematics and functional approaches. The molecular systematics sections have been completely updated for the new edition. Strong evolutionary theme which reflects the importance of molecular techniques throughout. Distills the essential characteristics of each invertebrate group and lists diagnostic features to allow comparisons between phyla. New phyla have been added for the neTrade Review"I can not recomment this book highly enough. It should be in the library of every school and university and I think all biologists would benefit from having a copy in their personal collection." --Peter Bowen-Walker, Journal of Biological Education, 2002 "This edition of a very useful text contains new research adding to our knowledge of invertebrates, and many chapters have been updated and rewritten. [...] Zoology students will welcome this new edition." (Aslib Book Guide, Dec 2001) "Essentially, this is a simple text. It aims to bring together all invertebrates and describe them in terms of their differences (phyla) and common elements (functions). Although the text needs to be precise, it is clear and the diagrams are very good. This is an excellent reference text which should find its way into field centres and school/college libraries." (TEGNews, Dec 2001) "When it comes to the invertebrates the position is much less clear cut. There are many gaps in our knowledge and so often the evolutionary relationships between the phyla are neglected. It is also a difficult area of zoology because many of the key organisms are unfamiliar ones, but in this book the subject is dealt with very clearly. It is a bold step to put it at the beginning, because there are many unfamiliar terms and concepts not covered until later in the book, but I think it works, not least because it gives the subject the importance it deserves. The book ought to become the standard text for invertebrate courses." (New Scientist, Sept. 1993) "... a good student-orientated introductory text which is attractive, liveley and informative. I am sure it will continue to be a favourite..." (Journal of Animal Ecology, 1994) Table of ContentsPreface. Part I: Evolutionary Introduction. 1. Introduction: Basic Approach and Principles. 2. The Evolutionary History and Phylogeny of the Invertebrates. Part II: The Invertebrate Phyla. 3. Parallel Approaches to Animal Multicellularity. 4. The Worms. 5. The Molluscs. 6. The Lophophorates. 7. The Deuterostomes. 8. Invertebrates with Legs: The Arthropods and Similar Groups. Part III: Invertebrate Functional Biology. 9. Feeding. 10. Mechanics and Movement (Locomotion). 11. Respiration. 12. Excretion Ionic and Osmotic Regulation and Buoyancy. 13. Defence. 14. Reproduction and Life Cycles. 15. Development. 16. Control Systems. 17. Basic Principles Revisited. Glossary. Illustration Sources. Index.

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Book SynopsisInsects may gather in modest groups, like the dozen sawfly larvae feeding on a pine needle, or they may form huge masses, like a swarm of migratory locusts or a cloud of mayflies. Why they assemble and what they get out of their associations are questions considered in this look at the group behavior and social lives of a wide array of bugs.Trade ReviewPerhaps the most striking feature of Waldbauer's delightful book is the enthusiasm with which it is written. A lifetime's involvement with what for many of us are mere pesky little critters has not dulled his pleasure in chronicling their variety or his amazement at their strangeness. He revels in the natural world. -- Derek Bickerton * New York Times Book Review *Although it was written by an entomologist...the book is not for the strictly scientifically oriented. Rather, this book reads like a compendium of insect stories, one interesting tale after another...A remarkable read. -- Marlene A. Condon * Daily Progress *Gilbert Waldbauer has addressed a broad audience to explain how and why insect aggregations occur, and to what extent these associations may involve crude co-operation and communication...Waldbauer cites a fascinating range of examples, some familiar and some not, [in] an immensely enjoyable book. A great richness of information is presented in a relaxed and accessible way without compromising the scientific complexity of some of the areas explored. Clearly intrigued by his subject and its ramifications, Waldbauer conveys his enthusiasm and love for natural history in its most catholic form with vivacity, flair and a broad brush. -- Gaden S. Robinson * Times Literary Supplement *Clear writing, a storyteller's grace and consummate mastery of his subject make entomologist Gilbert Waldbauer's Millions of Monarchs, Bunches of Beetles a fascinating incursion into the strange, fabulous and complex world of insects. As entertaining as he is informative, Waldbauer introduces us to groups of insects who use numbers to increase their chances for mating, surviving predators, overcoming prey or coping with weather...His enthusiasm for his subject is infectious, and he communicates far-reaching knowledge without resorting to jargon...[Millions of Monarchs, Bunches of Beetles] stimulates and satisfies the reader's sense of wonder. -- Lynn Harnett * Herald Sunday *Interesting facts and ideas are stacked one on top of another. This is not technical stuff: It's an entertaining, interesting book and an easy read that will be enjoyed by a wide audience. Getting food, avoiding predators, finding mates, and other matters essential to the survival of species are topics drawn out of this background of remarkable animal aggregations. A useful index and an extensive bibliography are helpful. * Science Books & Films *A delightful and informative romp with retired University of Illinois professor Gilbert Waldbauer through his favorite bug-hunting venues. Along the way, you will discover that Mr. Waldbauer has never outgrown his childlike enthusiasm for discovery--hence the title--nor his seriousness about good science--hence the publisher...Linking these two is the author's appreciation for enticing stories accumulated over a professional lifetime. He skillfully weaves eager curiosity, clear science and captivating tales to produce a compact book certain to please even the most casual observer of the world of these small creatures that creep, crawl, fly or burrow all around us. -- Fred Bortz * Dallas Morning News *Every chapter is so full of fascination, so well conveyed in clear, congenial, and precise prose, that many readers may want to audit professor Waldbauer's next course. -- Ray Olson * Booklist *The social structures formed by ants and bees are well documented. Waldbauer, however, concerns himself with the unsung insects whose simple group habits define less-organized societies. * Science News *Every chapter is so full of fascination, that many readers may want to audit professor Waldbauer's next course. The overall topic is occasionally social insects: how and why do they get together when they do? Their reasons include finding mates, species self-defense, subduing prey, going where the food is, and even controlling their own microclimates--that's why tent caterpillars make tents. Waldbauer unfolds all this buggy cooperation in absorbing accounts of particular species. -- Ray Olson * Booklist *In this, his third popularization of insect life, retired academic Waldbauer focuses on the group behavior of species less well described than ants or honeybees but no less interesting--ladybugs and locusts, mayflies and butterflies, wasps, termites, and others...Clearly a volume to satisfy idle curiosity, from a scholar and a gentleman ever ready to credit the work of colleagues, while at the same time suggesting any number of topics that future scholars might pursue to further our understanding of evolution and the survival of so many, many bugs. * Kirkus Reviews *Waldbauer's gentle but enthralling prose leads the reader to see beyond the shock of the heaving crawling mass, to glimpse beneath at the underlying biology of some of nature's most fascinating creatures. -- Richard Jones * BBC Wildlife *Gilbert Waldbauer writes to share his passion for insects. The insects of an unembellished prose style make his books accessible to the general naturalist and the specialist alike. -- W.R. Dolling * Entomologist's Monthly Magazine *

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Book SynopsisBeing among bees is a full-body experience, Mark Winston writes. Bee Time presents his reflections on three decades spent studying these remarkable creatures, and on the lessons they can teach about how humans might better interact with one another and the natural world, from the boardroom to urban design to agricultural ecosystems.Trade ReviewMark Winston has spent 30 years studying and working with bees. His book is a passionate celebration of bees, apiaries and honey, as well as a calmly reasoned critique of industrialized farming and a plea to halt the dramatic decline in bee numbers… A wonderfully rich insight into the imperiled world of the bee. -- P. D. Smith * The Guardian *In this personal and scientific journey into the history we share with bees, [Winston] ranges over neonicotinoid pesticides and colony collapse, the control of African ‘killer’ bees and more. The charismatic social insects emerge as both icons of societal cohesion and symbols of nature’s paradoxically mingled power and fragility. -- Barbara Kiser * Nature *[Winston] writes lovingly of the rhythms and quiddities of the apiary… In a highly personal style, Winston steps between reportage, scientific exactitude and a deep, poetically expressed love of bees, beekeeping and the cultural forms that bees inspire. People and bees have been working together for millennia—synergy that Winston, sensitized by his work as a communications specialist, clearly feels brings out the best and the worst in humanity. His take on the situation makes Bee Time an insightful delight. -- Adrian Barnett * New Scientist *Winston wants to acquaint his readers with the fascinating complexity of the bee world, and he also wants to alert readers to the fact that the bee world is drastically endangered. He brings to this hybrid task a very smooth ability to simplify the complex bee-literature he’s obviously mastered, providing engaging glimpses into the world of the hive—and usually presenting them in parallel context of the human world… Considering the enormous ripple-effects that would happen in the wake of the disappearance of these key pollinators, Winston’s wake-up call takes on an urgency that’s belied by its friendly, approachable tone. That clarion call makes Bee Time an important book, even if you by chance suffer from a touch of apiphobia. -- Steve Donoghue * Open Letters Monthly *[Winston] presents a stark picture of how much we expect from, and rely on, bees. -- Kristin Treen * Literary Review *Thoughtful and eloquent… Winston is an inspired cross-pollinator, who uses the ‘full-body experience’ of being with bees to draw lessons for human hives. -- Sarah Murdoch * Toronto Star *Like the beekeeper he is, paying careful attention to what’s going on in his colonies, Winston has done a fine job with this book. Bee Time is beautifully written and rich in the detail, evoking emotions without being overly maudlin. -- Jeff Lee * Vancouver Sun *[Winston’s] lyricism inspires awe of these necessary insects. -- Temma Ehrenfeld * Weekly Standard *A recap of what’s been going on in beekeeping over the past 10 years or so… Winston has left no hive unturned in this work, documenting all the good, and the bad that has occurred… There are indeed lessons to learn from a bee hive. This work will share some of them with you. -- Kim Flottum * Bee Culture *Winston combines beekeeping work/research, philosophical musings, and his personal memories in this enjoyable book. -- J. M. Gonzalez * Choice *Bee Time is a unique book: in turn a touching memoir, a warm paean to the honey bees that have fueled Winston’s impressive scientific career, and an insightful analysis of some of the serious environmental problems facing us today. -- Gene E. Robinson, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignNo other book celebrates the long relationship between humans and honeybees as powerfully, thoughtfully, and enchantingly as this one. Written in lyrical prose, Bee Time is a delightful and inspiring read. -- Thomas D. Seeley, author of Honeybee Democracy

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Book SynopsisA single species of fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has been the subject of scientific research for more than one hundred years. Stephanie Elizabeth Mohr explains why this tiny insect merits such intense scrutiny, and how laboratory findings made first in flies have expanded our understanding of human health and disease.Trade ReviewA popular appreciation of fruit flies has seemed long overdue to me. No single animal has contributed as much to the field of genetics as the ordinary and ubiquitous Drosophila melanogaster…To read First in Fly is to appreciate the full scope of fruit-fly research and to understand the intimate connections in the DNA of every human cell and Drosophila cell. -- Sarah Zhang * The Atlantic *Mohr reveals a raft of breakthroughs discovered ‘first in fly,’ such as the molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythm. Serious science, elegantly described. -- Barbara Kiser * Nature *Mohr’s First in Fly: Drosophila Research and Biological Discovery takes you into the labs to examine one small organism that makes so much biomedical and genetic research possible…Its deep dive into the incredible and outsized role these tiny flies play in scientific research will not disappoint. -- Mary Beth Griggs * Popular Science *Introduces a variety of fundamental biological concepts discovered over the last century, thanks to fruit flies…This fascinating book will especially appeal to students of the life sciences and the history of science, and to all curious people. * Forbes *The book is an inspiring read that improves from chapter to chapter. It is loaded with relevant, thought-provoking and well-researched information, clearly illustrating the important role of past and present fly research and providing a vision for the future. For its original approach, it deserves a place on the bookshelves not only of fly researchers but of all who care about responsible biomedical research. -- Andreas Prokop * Times Higher Education *Stephanie Mohr brilliantly illuminates the discovery and relevance of the fruit fly. She transforms vague public awareness of Drosophila into a breathtaking landscape of research, building a case for pure science as the source of most scientific surprises, revolutions, and ultimately, practical applications. Really, everything has been touched by flies; from the international laws impacted by mustard gas and radiation mutations to the testing of new drugs to the appreciation of how single egg cells turn into wonderfully complex bodies. This book illustrates why we should all be very grateful to these flies and the ‘fly people’ who study them. -- George Church, Harvard UniversityFirst in Fly provides a superb foundation on which to explore new avenues in biology. Mohr presents a riveting account of discoveries made possible by research on the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, over the past 110 years. No model organism has contributed more to our understanding of genetics and developmental biology. This book is highly recommended for scientists both young and established, and for all who wish to learn more about the origins of many commonly accepted facts in biology. -- Hugo Bellen, Baylor College of MedicineFrom the nature of genes to the secrets of behavior to cancer therapy, Mohr captures how fundamental research on the unassuming and ubiquitous fruit fly has driven revolutions in biology and medicine. The material is rich; the subject is timely; and the premise is powerful. An important read. -- David Bilder, University of California, BerkeleyFirst in Fly is a reader-friendly yet scholarly account of fruit fly biology and genetics. As Mohr clearly presents, the fly provides the best system for understanding the basic mechanisms of development and disease, and how those mechanisms apply to all other animals, including humans. -- Peter Lawrence, University of CambridgeFirst in Fly distills a century of biology research on Drosophila into a set of exciting, mind-bending stories. Mohr captures the thrill of scientific discovery and the creative spirit of this research community, while clearly explaining the scientific findings and relating them to human biology and health. Her book tells a vital story about the remarkable extent of evolutionary conservation, and is both important in scope and a pleasure to read. -- Andrea Page-McCaw, Vanderbilt UniversityAn accessible resource for experts and non-experts alike, First in Fly beautifully articulates how the fruit fly has made enormous contributions to our understanding of genetics and biology. Stephanie Mohr demystifies the fruit fly through humor and facts, while also shedding light on how the study of one small and unquestionably valuable insect has contributed to the understanding of cognitive and biological processes. -- Giovanni Bosco, Dartmouth CollegeA passionate, information-packed ode to Drosophila melanogaster and the ‘fly people’ who study it…We learn how discoveries first made in Drosophila contributed to breakthroughs in developmental genetics and signal transduction, and even help to advance space travel and cancer research today…Perhaps most importantly, this book talks openly and honestly about the processes of scientific research and discovery. -- Alice Laciny * History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Longlisted for the Young Adult Science Book Award, AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books""There are heroes in this story, and Haddad does a wonderful job of celebrating them."---Jonathan Hahn, Sierra"A valuable lens on the biodiversity crisis. Yet Haddad does not just gather data on habitat loss and other drivers of decline—although he does that with crystalline acuity. He emphasizes that measures such as restoring ecological systems can protect populations of these fragile 'ambassadors of nature', against the odds."---Barbara Kiser, Nature"Haddad eloquently argues that conserving butterflies is not about preserving an organism or habitat in aspic—that way lies stagnation and decline—it’s about enabling a dynamic and resilient environment."---Richard Jones, BBC Wildlife Magazine"Wonderfully informative . . . Haddad has that rare ability to make difficult science accessible to those of us who are not trained in the nuances of ecological quantification and he does so without talking down to us."---Keith Taylor, WUOM’s Stateside"A powerful study of what a declining insect population reveals about how we are treating the planet . . . . fine and compelling book."---Jules Pretty, Times Higher Education"We need to do better at embedding nature conservation, knowledge generation, and long-term monitoring as core goals in land management initiatives. The Last Butterflies shares some inspiring examples of how to achieve this."---Manu. E. Saunders, Trends in Ecology & Evolution"Haddad is extremely knowledgable about this subject, and is also able to successfully communicate that knowledge to a wider audience"---Harry Siviter, The Biologist"The Last Butterflies does a remarkable job weaving together the stories of the rarest of butterflies, changing landscapes, and the day-to-day work of the scientists who study them."---Gretchen LeBuhn, American Entomologist"The author has devoted his life to butterflies . . . His guiding principle is that humans should not be the cause of the extinction of these extremely rare species by promoting rather than destroying biodiversity - it is a moving personal ecological odyssey." * Paradigm Explorer *"[The Last Butterflies] is infused with enthusiasm for conservation efforts, both now and in the future, and with an admiration for the beauty, fragility, and resilience of butterflies. It is an important book for anyone concerned with biodiversity and conservation issues. It’s also an eye-opening and engaging read for anyone with an interest in butterflies."---Rachel Pagones, New Books in Environmental Studies"This is an unusual, honest and informative book. . . . clearly written and attractively presented."---John Tennent, Atropos Magazine"A nice read that those interested in conservation will enjoy. . . . the author argues that even if rare butterflies may make a negligible contribution to ecological services, there are still compelling reasons to protect them." * Conservation Biology *"One of the best books about conservation biology that I’ve read in a long time. The Last Butterflies reads with the ease of a novel. Part adventure tale and part detective story, it leads you in search of the world’s rarest butterflies and the ways we might save them."---Matthew Shepherd, Wings"If you are interested in conservation, butterflies, insects, or any combination of the three, I would recommend picking up this volume."---Cas Carroll, The Quarterly Review of Biology"As a nature enthusiast, this book will give you new perspectives on conservation and the many unseen factors in what keeps a species afloat."---Trevor Edmonson, The Daily Journal"This is a fantastic read told in a personal and engaging manner. . . . Would I recommend anyone to buy it? Yes, if they have any interest in natural history. This is a very accessible book, as well as being very tactile, and definitely worth the investment."---Simon R. Leather, Oryx: The International Journal of Conservation"A thoroughly entertaining AND informative read - you can't put it down."---John Badmin, British Journal of Entomology and Natural History"Haddad has evaluated some of the rarest butterflies in the world, and then investigated the reasons for their rarity and possible approaches to saving them from extinction. . . . Anyone who is contemplating a career in wildlife management or biodiversity should definitely have a copy on their bookshelf."---Jacqueline Ruffle, Amateur Entomological Society

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Finalist for the PROSE Award in Popular Science and Popular Mathematics, Association of American Publishers""Cornell University biologist Seeley is one of the most beloved authors in the beekeeping community, and with good reason: his writing elucidates the lives of honeybees with clear science and a sense of joyous discovery. Seeley employs that approach here; even non-keepers will appreciate his bee’s-eye view of life outside managed apiaries."---Gemma Tarlach, Discover"I was really drawn to Tom Seeley’s The Lives of Bees. He IS the bee keeper’s bee keeper."---Ira Flatow, Science Friday"Elegantly simple in design, the research is expertly synthesized by Seeley to give us a vivid glimpse of how honeybees live when left to their own devices. . . . It is the most complete picture yet of the honeybee’s natural history. . . . As the biblical Prov­erbs 6:6 notes of the ant, we need to go to the bee, 'consider its ways and be wise'. Seeley has done that better than anyone."---Gene Robinson, Nature"Seeley brings us dispatches from the cutting-edge scientific hive-mind exploring the complex behavioral, social, and survival dynamics of bee colonies."---Olivia Rutigliano, LitHub"A wealth of information about honeybees based on decades of scientific research." * Kirkus *"[The Lives of Bees] both celebrates and chronicles the natural history of the honey bee."---Barry Silverstein, Foreword Reviews"This book is a surprise and one heck of a good read."---Scott Shalaway, WV News"This is a first class work that should be read by anyone concerned with the alarming decline in pollinators of all taxa, but is especially important for bee keepers and their future as honey producers, and for biologists and landowners anxious to preserve habitat for wild honey bees."---David M. Gascoigne, Travels with Birds"Written for experts, beekeepers and biology buffs alike. Seeley’s fifth book on bees illuminates why wild honeybees across the planet are thriving while managed colonies are under threat."---Krishna Ramanujan, Cornell Chronicle"William Hope narrates this highly informed work with a sharp focus on its scientific language. His clear, frank style helps the listener follow the author's deep dive into the lives of wild honey bees in their natural colonies, as opposed to those raised and kept by beekeepers. . . . This intriguing scientific study . . . elucidates the distinctive methodology of the entomologist and has much to teach." * AudioFile Magazine *"This gorgeous and noteworthy book provides a very different view of honey bees and how they live in the wild and offers important lessons for saving the world’s managed bee colonies. . . . The Lives of Bees will be highly-prized and often referenced by scientists, beekeepers and students of bees, and will fascinate anyone who wishes to learn more about the lives of these amazing insects."---GrrlScientist, Forbes"An impassioned account of honey bees by one of the most respected ecological bee researchers who is also a master storyteller. This charming, informative, and profusely illustrated book is one to curl up with in an easy chair while sipping honey-laced hot tea."---Stephen L. Buchmann, The Quarterly Review of Biology"Seeley who has been enraptured by bees since 1963, presents an authoritative and engaging account of why bees still fascinate him. The book should be of interests to students, educators, and professional biologists."---Norman A. Johnson, Evolution: Education and Outreach"A detailed and well-illustrated work that will fascinate both curious scientists and those with a passion for bee keeping. . . . Seeley’s book offers great opportunities to learn about honey bees in the wild . . . a source of inspiration for sustainable beekeeping practices."---Fabrice Requier & Robin M Crewe, Trends in Ecology and Evolution"Tells you everything about honeybees that has not been told . . . . The Lives of Bees is well-researched and one of the most authentic works on honeybees." * The Washington Book Review *"Engagingly written and deeply personal, it's the best bee book in print!"---Nicola Bradbear, Bee Craft"As one of the great communicators of honey bee science, Tom Seeley has written a superb account . . . This is a book for every beekeeper and anyone interested in the natural world."---Stephen Fleming, Bee Craft"A remarkable book. It is an essential read for every beekeeper who wishes to understand more fully the natural biology of the bees living in his or her hives."---Ann Chilcott, The Beelistener"This is a wonderful and original book about honey bees, unlike the numerous 'hand books' which are the staple fare of beekeepers. Professor Seeley has turned the idea of keeping bees on its head, pointing out the many indications that our current methods of exploiting honey bees may be quite harmful to them, or at best, not helpful. . . . so well-researched and presented that I feel it should be basic and essential reading for all beekeepers" * An Beachaire *"Both the layman and general entomologist will enjoy this scientific detective story that is so engagingly and entertainingly told by a preeminent expert in the field."---Angus McCullough, Entomologist's Monthly Magazine"[A] beautifully written exposition of the fascinating details of honey bee behaviour, physiology, genetics and interplay with the environment."---Peter Neerup Buhl, International Journal of Environment Studies"Seeley is truly a wonderful science writer, and one of the best at synthesizing information from honey bee studies conducted across the globe . . . His ability to communicate his science, and the science of others into common themes makes his books a pleasure to read for both academics and general readers alike."---Cory S. Sheffield, Bulletin of the Entomological Society of Canada"This is an excellent book, and one I would recommend to all beekeepers, not to mention anyone with a fascination for this amazing little insect."---Amanda Williams, Buzz About Bees

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Book SynopsisThis second edition of Garden Insects of North America solidifies its place as the most comprehensive guide to the common insects, mites, and other bugs found in the backyards and gardens of the United States and Canada. Featuring 3,300 full-color photos and concise, detailed text, this fully revised book covers the hundreds of species of insectsTrade Review"An exceptionally well organized and complete text on garden insects... Almost every insect is illustrated, with well over 1,000 full-color photographs showing them in various life cycle stages. Its very simple but complete explanations, diagrams and photographs make this the best reference I have read for diagnosing virtually all insect problems. It will make you the neighborhood entomologist."--Joel M. Lerner, The Washington Post "[Cranshaw is] an entomologist with perhaps a skewed affection for all kinds of bugs, but no one will argue with his desire to demystify insects and their world so that people understand better whether and how to react to a problem, and to enjoy this Lilliputian drama."--Adrian Higgins, The Washington Post "An impressive garden reference that doubles as a field guide. Wherever you live in North America, your insects are included her... The more than 1,400 color pictures of insects and their damage are truly impressive and will be invaluable in helping readers track down the culprits of their plant injury... This wonderful reference will certainly become a classic... Whether you are a professional or a home gardening enthusiast, this is an indispensable reference."--Jeffrey Hahn, The American Gardener "Garden Insects is destined to become the new bible for horticulturalists and home gardeners alike. I've added it to the few books I keep close at hand while I am in the garden. Luckily, Garden Insects is also an exceptionally well-made paperback with water-resistant cover and 656 pages that fall open without cracking the spine and stay open without having to balance a rock on top. At $29.95, it's a bargain."--Patricia Jonas, Plants and Garden News "Insects are the most diverse and widely distributed life-forms on the planet. Gardens, and the diverse gardeners that tend them, are similarly widely distributed. Succinctly capturing this diversity, Cranshaw has constructed a lucid and well-illustrated text to allow gardeners to identify insects they encounter... Breadth of synthesis, high quality, and effective formatting justify this work as a valuable addition to the popular literature."--Choice "A must-have reference for any gardener."--San Francisco Chronicle "Cranshaw has produced a wonderful guide whether the reader is interested in understanding, managing, or just observing theses insects. Identification is the very first step in the process of opening the door of appreciation, and this book is the key."--Biology Digest Praise for the first edition: "If you've ever wondered what's eating your garden besides yourself and the woodchuck, this is the book for you. I know that sometime this summer I will carry a bug of some sort into the house to identify it in this volume. And I know that I'll lose at least an hour looking at photographs of all the other bugs that might lie hidden in the herbage."--Verlyn Klinkenborg, New York Times Book Review Praise for the first edition: "Know thine enemy,' a time-worn caveat lifted from Sun-tzu's treatise, The Art of War, is sage advice for the organic gardener hoping to emerge victorious in the battle of the bugs. Acquiring such knowledge has just become easier with the release of Garden Insects of North America... With detailed, high-quality photographic plates conveniently adjacent to the standardized insect descriptions, identification of suspected insect enemies is straightforward."--Jack Aldridge, San Francisco Chronicle Praise for the first edition: "An exceptionally well organized and complete text on garden insects... Its very simple but complete explanations, diagrams and photographs make this the best reference I have read for diagnosing virtually all insect problems. It will make you the neighborhood entomologist."--Joel M. Lerner, Washington Post

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This book will surely fuel further conceptual unification by inspiring future generations of scientists."---Mark E. Laidre, The Quarterly Review of Biology"The book abounds with new ideas and is a must read for anyone starting out on a career in field entomology."---John Badmin, British Journal of Entomology and Natural History

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"[A] highly informative and beautifully illustrated book."---Marc Bekoff, Psychology Today"[This book] filled me with wonder and awe."---Margaret Roach, A Way to Garden"[An] amazing book. . . . The message is the inter-relatedness of the biodiversity around us, which is far closer and more complex than we could ever have guessed." * An Beachaire *"Eaton's richly illustrated book will inform and entertain."---Eric Brown, News Shopper"A beautifully illustrated, very readable and scientific compendium of the biology, ecology, behaviour and diversity of wasps and, in particular, their relationship with us."---Malcolm Aldridge, Bulletin of the Amateur Entomological Society"This book will make you love wasps and appreciate them as amazing, mostly solitary insects thriving in nearly every Earthly habitat. . . . [A] beautiful book." * Bees for Development *"If you respect wasps only because of their sting and how they can sometimes prey on your bees, this book is likely to transform your respect to awe. . . . Written in entertaining, mostly double-page chunks, the book is ideal for dipping into."---Stephen Fleming, Bee Craft"A richly illustrated introduction to the biology and ecology of wasps . . . . An attractive and enjoyable introduction to wasp biology, written by an author who clearly delights in the beauty of these wonderful insects."---Andrew Wakeham-Dawson, Entomologist's Monthly Magazine"[This book] has exquisite photographs and these are some of the best and highest quality I have ever seen surrounded by appropriate text. . . . This is simply a stunning book and provides a beautiful comprehensive visual journey into the complex world of wasps."---Roy Stewart, British Naturalist’s Association"Crammed with stunning photographs (and I do mean stunning) and clever artwork throughout, this book is both informative and a joy to read."---John Stewart, British Journal of Entomology and Natural History"I would certainly recommend this book, I had a sneaking admiration for wasps already but this has further amplified that. I guarantee you will appreciate wasps more and learn a 100 things along the way."---Andy Karran, Gwent Wildlife Trust"This splendid book is an enjoyable and credible attempt to change society’s distorted perception of wasps. . . . Browsing the excellent, high-quality color photos is a delight, and they constitute well-thought-out teasers to induce the reader to dip into the text." * Conservation Biology *"It is good to know that someone is doing their utmost to dispel the biases and hysteria typically associated with these fascinating animals; highlighting the positive relationships they share with humans and the environment to a wider audience. Enjoy!"---Jeanne Robertson, Glasgow Naturalist"All-in-all this is a fantastic book, and well worth reading. Eaton shows how amazingly diverse, and in their own way, remarkable wasps really are. I’m sure that anybody who reads the book will have a much-improved opinion of wasps by the end!"---Amanda Williams, Buzz About Bees"A brilliant and attractive introduction to wasps and their biology. . . . A fine piece of knowledge that no library should be without, especially at such a friendly price for the hardcopy."---M. Rindoš, European Journal of Entomology ​​​​​​​

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Longlisted for the Young Adult Science Book Award, AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books""There are heroes in this story, and Haddad does a wonderful job of celebrating them."---Jonathan Hahn, Sierra"A valuable lens on the biodiversity crisis. Yet Haddad does not just gather data on habitat loss and other drivers of decline—although he does that with crystalline acuity. He emphasizes that measures such as restoring ecological systems can protect populations of these fragile 'ambassadors of nature', against the odds."---Barbara Kiser, Nature"Haddad eloquently argues that conserving butterflies is not about preserving an organism or habitat in aspic—that way lies stagnation and decline—it’s about enabling a dynamic and resilient environment."---Richard Jones, BBC Wildlife Magazine"Wonderfully informative . . . Haddad has that rare ability to make difficult science accessible to those of us who are not trained in the nuances of ecological quantification and he does so without talking down to us."---Keith Taylor, WUOM’s Stateside"A powerful study of what a declining insect population reveals about how we are treating the planet . . . . fine and compelling book."---Jules Pretty, Times Higher Education"We need to do better at embedding nature conservation, knowledge generation, and long-term monitoring as core goals in land management initiatives. The Last Butterflies shares some inspiring examples of how to achieve this."---Manu. E. Saunders, Trends in Ecology & Evolution"Haddad is extremely knowledgable about this subject, and is also able to successfully communicate that knowledge to a wider audience"---Harry Siviter, The Biologist"The Last Butterflies does a remarkable job weaving together the stories of the rarest of butterflies, changing landscapes, and the day-to-day work of the scientists who study them."---Gretchen LeBuhn, American Entomologist"The author has devoted his life to butterflies . . . His guiding principle is that humans should not be the cause of the extinction of these extremely rare species by promoting rather than destroying biodiversity - it is a moving personal ecological odyssey." * Paradigm Explorer *"[The Last Butterflies] is infused with enthusiasm for conservation efforts, both now and in the future, and with an admiration for the beauty, fragility, and resilience of butterflies. It is an important book for anyone concerned with biodiversity and conservation issues. It’s also an eye-opening and engaging read for anyone with an interest in butterflies."---Rachel Pagones, New Books in Environmental Studies"This is an unusual, honest and informative book. . . . clearly written and attractively presented."---John Tennent, Atropos Magazine"A nice read that those interested in conservation will enjoy. . . . the author argues that even if rare butterflies may make a negligible contribution to ecological services, there are still compelling reasons to protect them." * Conservation Biology *"One of the best books about conservation biology that I’ve read in a long time. The Last Butterflies reads with the ease of a novel. Part adventure tale and part detective story, it leads you in search of the world’s rarest butterflies and the ways we might save them."---Matthew Shepherd, Wings"If you are interested in conservation, butterflies, insects, or any combination of the three, I would recommend picking up this volume."---Cas Carroll, The Quarterly Review of Biology"As a nature enthusiast, this book will give you new perspectives on conservation and the many unseen factors in what keeps a species afloat."---Trevor Edmonson, The Daily Journal"This is a fantastic read told in a personal and engaging manner. . . . Would I recommend anyone to buy it? Yes, if they have any interest in natural history. This is a very accessible book, as well as being very tactile, and definitely worth the investment."---Simon R. Leather, Oryx: The International Journal of Conservation"A thoroughly entertaining AND informative read - you can't put it down."---John Badmin, British Journal of Entomology and Natural History"Haddad has evaluated some of the rarest butterflies in the world, and then investigated the reasons for their rarity and possible approaches to saving them from extinction. . . . Anyone who is contemplating a career in wildlife management or biodiversity should definitely have a copy on their bookshelf."---Jacqueline Ruffle, Amateur Entomological Society

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This reviewer repeatedly found himself stuck on a page marveling at the hours and hours of work that had gone into the research and photography behind the detail. Like a good exhibit designer, Grimaldi does not titillate or terrify with close-ups of the monsters that typically haunt other 'bug' books. Rather, he draws readers into a world populated by wonderful, colorful insects, creating an appreciation for entomology."---G.C. Stevens, Choice"It's easy to run out of superlatives when talking about this book. For those of us who do not have advanced degrees in entomology yet are no less passionately interested in insects, this is the best guide of its kind - ever."---David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds"An amazing book."---John Miles, Birdwatch"This beautiful 368-page hard-backed book lives up to its title – it covers all you could ever want to know about insects."---Frances McKim, Pest Magazine"If you love insects and want more background information than an ID guide can offer, The Complete Insect is a book worth considering."---Claire Bow, Outdoor Photography"This book [is] enlivened with myriad colour photographs that both startle and delight."---Andrew Robinson, Nature"An absorbing and beautiful exploration of the natural history of insects." * the Buzz *

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Book SynopsisThis is the first handbook devoted to sea cucumbers in the waters of British Columbia, southeast Alaska and northern Washington.Trade ReviewThis guide is highly recommended for anyone interested in coastal natural history. The authoritative text is generously supplemented with excellent colour and black-and-white photographs as well as with line drawings. -- Patrick Colgan, Canadian Book Review AnnualTable of ContentsPreface Introduction Origins of Sea Cucumbers Characteristics of Sea Cucumbers External Anatomy Internal Anatomy Reproduction Predators Physiology Behaviour Parasites and Commensals Economic Importance Classification Conservation Species Covered Key to Shallow-Water Species Species Descriptions Family Stichopodidae Parastichopus californicum Parastichopus leukothele Family Synallactidae Pseudostichopus mollis Synallactes challengeri Family Psolidae Psolidium bidiscum Psolus chitonoides Psolus squamatus Family Cucumariidae Subfamilies Cucumariinae & Thyonidiinae Cucumaria frondosa japonica Cucumaria miniata Cucumaria pallida Cucumaria piperata Cucumaria pseudocurata Cucuaria vegae Pseudocnus curatus Pseudocnus lubricus Subfamily Thyonidiinae Ekmania diomedeae Thyonidium kurilensis Family Phllophoridae Subfamily Thyoninae Pentamera lissoplaca Pentamera populifera Pentamera pseudocalcigera Pentamera trachyplaca Pentamera sp. A Pentamera sp. B Thyone benti Family Sclerodactylidae Eupentacta pseudoquinquesemita Eupentacta quinquesemita Family Molpadiidae Molpadia intermedia Family Caudinidae Paracaudina chilensis Family Synaptidae Leptosynapta clarki Leptosynapta transgressor Family Chiridotidae Chiridota species Acknowledgments General References References Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisIn this handbook, Philip Lambert describes 43 species and subspecies of sea stars in the coastal waters of northwestern North America. The sea-star fauna of the region from Glacier Bay, Alaska, to Puget Sound in Washington, is the most diverse of all the temperate waters of the world. The great age of the Pacific Basin, and the varied habitats along this complex coastline, created by scouring glaciers and other natural forces, have stimulated the evolution of many new forms. Sea Stars bridges the gap between academic and popular publications and is enhanced by illustrations and photographs, many in colour. Although he covers the coastal waters down to 200 metres below the surface, Lambert lists 26 more species that live below 200 metres and 14 others that occur just outside the region covered by this book. 'If sea stars fascinate you (and they're pretty hard to resist on this coast) then you'll appreciate this book. It is essential for anyone doing research involving northwest sea starTrade ReviewIf sea stars fascinate you (and theyre pretty hard to resist on this coast) then youll appreciate this book. It is essential for anyone doing research involving northwest sea stars and is also a great field guide for divers and seaside naturalists. -- Echinoderm Newsletter

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Book SynopsisThe Sipuncula, a group of ocean-dwelling worms related to annelids and mollusks, play a significant role in the bioerosion of coral reefs and are useful indicators of environmental conditions. The 155 species live in a wide variety of marine habitats...

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Book SynopsisThis classic text, first published in 1935, is once again available. Still the standard reference in the English language, Principles of Insect Morphology is considered the author's masterpiece. A talented artist as well as one of the leading entomologists of his day, Robert E. Snodgrass produced a wealth of publications that display an...Trade Review"This volume occupies an honored place on my bookshelves... The knowledge of the insect world exhibited by this author is unrivaled. In our current trend towards specialization, it is unlikely that volumes comparable to this will be duplicated." -- Phillip Eichman, University of Rio Grande. American Biology Teacher

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Book SynopsisWhile social wasps, like hornets and yellow jackets, garner most of the publicity (most of it negative), the vast majority of wasp species, including digger wasps, spider wasps, and mud-daubers, are solitary. Elegant in appearance and distinctive in...Trade ReviewThe subject of Kevin O'Neill's excellent account are solitary wasps... Many of the topics discussed are illustrated by weird and wonderful case studies... Altogether, this is a well-written summary of what is known (and also what is not known) about a heterogeneous group of wasps that has intrigued biologists for many decades. * Times Literary Supplement *Kevin O'Neill's book provides an ideal insight into the intricacies of wasp behaviour, whether for a beginner seeking a project or for an expert look for solid comparative analysis. For the beginner it instills all the necessary enthusiasm and explains very clearly why solitary wasps are so easy and so rewarding to study. For professionals it is beautifully laid out to cover the diversity of foraging and nesting strategies across all the groups that are included.... There is plenty of food for thought here, and plenty to spur on new investigations.... Add this book to your shelves and enjoy the world of the solitary wasps. * Entomologist's Monthly Magazine *The book is the first general survey of the subject in more than 25 years... Excellent book, well organized, well written, readable, informative. * Choice *

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Book SynopsisThe knowledge of citizen scientists, biologists, and naturalists informs this book's coverage of every aspect of the monarch butterfly's life cycle (breeding, migration, and overwintering) from the perspective of every established monarch population...Trade ReviewThis book is aimed largely at an American audience and it will be interesting to learn how popular it has been with the general public. Having a national buttefly is wonderful way of bringing scientists and the public together to work for a common cause. Perhaps we might benefit from having a national butterfly in the U.K. -- John Stewart * British Journal of Entomology and Natural History *

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Book SynopsisTo meet the demand for a timely synthesis of monarch biology, conservation and outreach, Monarchs in a Changing World summarizes recent developments in scientific research, highlights challenges and responses to threats to monarch conservation, and showcases the many ways that monarchs are used in citizen science programs, outreach, and education.Trade ReviewMonarch butterflies, by being so familiar to so many, provide an immediate connection between readers and research. That connection can overcome the small patches of difficult prose. With 926 citations of scientific papers and a 463-entry index, this book will help advance thework of established researchers and give others an awareness of the breadth and limits of the knowledge of the monarch butterfly. -- G.C. Stevens * Choice *Table of ContentsPart One. Model Programs for Citizen Science, Education, and Conservation: An Overview Karen S. Oberhauser1. Environmental Education and Monarchs: Reaching across Disciplines, Generations, and Nations Elisabeth Young-Isebrand, Karen S. Oberhauser, Kim Bailey, Sonya Charest, Brian Hayes, Elizabeth Howard, Jim Lovett, Susan Meyers, Erik Mollenhauer, Eneida B. Montesiños-Patino, Ann Ryan, Orley R. Taylor, and Rocío Treviño2. Contributions to Monarch Biology and Conservation through Citizen Science: Seventy Years and Counting Karen S. Oberhauser, Leslie Ries, Sonia Altizer, Rebecca V. Batalden, Janet Kudell-Ekstrum, Mark Garland, Elizabeth Howard, Sarina Jepsen, Jim Lovett, Mía Monroe, Gail Morris, Eduardo Rendón-Salinas, Richard G. RuBino, Ann Ryan, Orley R. Taylor, Rocío Treviño, Francis X. Villablanca, and Dick Walton3. Monarch Habitat Conservation across North America: Past Progress and Future Needs Priya C. Shahani, Guadalupe del Río Pesado, Phil Schappert, and Eligio García SerranoPart Two. Monarchs as Herbivores, Prey, and Hosts: An Overview Jacobus C. de Roode4. Macroevolutionary Trends in the Defense of Milkweeds against Monarchs: Latex, Cardenolides, and Tolerance of Herbivory Anurag A. Agrawal, Jared G. Ali, Sergio Rasmann, and Mark Fishbein5. Invertebrate Natural Enemies and Stage-Specific Mortality Rates of Monarch Eggs and Larvae Alma De Anda and Karen S. Oberhauser6. Lacewings, Wasps, and Flies—Oh My: Insect Enemies Take a Bite out of Monarchs Karen S. Oberhauser, Michael Anderson, Sophia Anderson, Wendy Caldwell, Alma De Anda, Mark Hunter, Matthew C. Kaiser, and Michelle J. Solensky7. Monarchs and Their Debilitating Parasites: Immunity, Migration, and Medicinal Plant Use Sonia Altizer and Jacobus C. de RoodePart Three. Monarchs in a Changing Climate: An Overview Kelly R. Nail and Karen S. Oberhauser8. What's Too Hot and What’s Too Cold? Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Extreme Temperatures on Developing Monarchs Kelly R. Nail, Rebecca V. Batalden, and Karen S. Oberhauser9. Microclimatic Protection of Overwintering Monarchs Provided by Mexico’s High-Elevation Oyamel Fir Forests: A Review Ernest H. Williams and Lincoln P. Brower10. Effect of the 2010–2011 Drought on the Lipid Content of Monarchs Migrating through Texas to Overwintering Sites in Mexico Lincoln P. Brower, Linda S. Fink, Ridlon J. Kiphart, Victoria Pocius, Raúl R. Zubieta, and M. Isabel Ramírez11. Estimating the Climate Signal in Monarch Population Decline: No Direct Evidence for an Impact of Climate Change? Myron P. Zalucki, Lincoln P. Brower, Stephen B. Malcolm, and Benjamin H. SlagerPart Four. Conserving North American Monarch Butterflies: An Overview Lincoln P. Brower and Linda S. Fink12. Understanding and Conserving the Western North American Monarch Population Sarina Jepsen and Scott Hoffman Black13. Threats to the Availability of Overwintering Habitat in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve: Land Use and Climate Change M. Isabel Ramírez, Cuauhtémoc Sáenz-Romero, Gerald Rehfeldt, and Lidia Salas-Canela14. Monarch Butterflies and Agriculture John M. Pleasants15. Fires and Fire Management in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve Héctor Martínez-Torres, Mariana Cantú-Fernández, M. Isabel Ramírez, and Diego R. Pérez-Salicrup16. Project Milkweed: A Strategy for Monarch Habitat Conservation Brianna Borders and Eric Lee-Mäder17. Grassland and Roadside Management Practices Affect Milkweed Abundance and Opportunities for Monarch Recruitment Kristen A. Baum and Elisha K. MuellerPart Five. New Perspectives on Monarch Migration, Evolution, and Population Biology: An Overview Andrew K. Davis and Sonia Altizer18. Tracking the Fall Migration of Eastern Monarchs with Journey North Roost Sightings: New Findings about the Pace of Fall Migration Elizabeth Howard and Andrew K. Davis19. Potential Changes in Eastern North American Monarch Migration in Response to an Introduced Milkweed, Asclepias curassavica Rebecca V. Batalden and Karen S. Oberhauser20. Migration and Host Plant Use by the Southern Monarch, Danaus erippus Stephen B. Malcolm and Benjamin H. Slager21. Monarchs in the Mist: New Perspectives on Monarch Distribution in the Pacific Northwest Robert Michael Pyle22. Monarchs across the Atlantic Ocean: What’s Happening on the Other Shore? Juan Fernández-Haeger, Diego Jordano, and Myron P. Zalucki23. Unraveling the Mysteries of Monarch Migration and Global Dispersal through Molecular Genetic Techniques Amanda A. Pierce, Sonia Altizer, Nicola L. Chamberlain, Marcus R. Kronforst, and Jacobus C. de Roode24. Connecting Eastern Monarch Population Dynamics across Their Migratory Cycle Leslie Ries, Douglas J. Taron, Eduardo Rendón-Salinas, and Karen S. OberhauserReferences Contributors Index

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Book SynopsisThe brown recluse is a fascinating spider very well adapted to dwelling in houses and other buildings. It has become infamous throughout North America. In this book, Richard S. Vetter educates readers regarding the biology of the brown recluse spider and medical aspects of its...Trade Review"The Brown Recluse Spider is a concise summary of the current knowledge about an infamous spider, with clear relevance to the public perception of spiders in general. Richard S. Vetter has had years of experience conducting research on recluse spiders and educating the public as well as medical personnel. This book features new insights—interesting, amusing, and sometimes sad—drawn from his personal experiences with education efforts." -- Richard A. Bradley, The Ohio State University, author of Common Spiders of North America

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Book SynopsisThis classic text, first published in 1935, is once again available. Still the standard reference in the English language, Principles of Insect Morphology is considered the author's masterpiece. A talented artist as well as one of the leading entomologists of his day, Robert E. Snodgrass produced a wealth of publications that display an...Trade Review"This volume occupies an honored place on my bookshelves... The knowledge of the insect world exhibited by this author is unrivaled. In our current trend towards specialization, it is unlikely that volumes comparable to this will be duplicated." -- Phillip Eichman, University of Rio Grande. American Biology Teacher

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Book SynopsisA scientist before he was a beekeeper, Mark L. Winston found in his new hobby a paradigm for understanding the role science should play in society. In essays originally appearing as columns in Bee Culture, the leading professional journal, Winston...Trade ReviewA... readable book... that is equally interesting for scientists and beekeepers alike... Interesting! * Northeastern Naturalist *Mark Winston presents controversial but stimulating views on the peer review process for research proposals and scientific papers, the role of basic versus applied research, and accountability of university and government scientists to society. This well-written book will interest beekeepers and anyone interested in the role of honey bees in agriculture today. * Choice *

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Book SynopsisIn much of North America, crickets and katydids provide the soundtrack to summer nights, and grasshoppers frequent the fields and roadsides of midsummer days. Although insects from this group have long been the bane of those who make their living from...Trade ReviewOften heard, seldom seen, katydids and crickets and their calls epitomize summertime. Also familiar are grasshoppers, flashing their often colorful hind wings in sudden flight. Yet most lay people know little about these abundant insects or how to identify them. Most existing publications are regional or technical; authored by Capinera and Thomas J. Walker, two University of Florida entomologists, and Ralph D. Scott, a Montana-based biologist and scientific illustrator, this first field guide to U.S. and Canadian orthoptera introduces 206 of the most common species (more than a third of the total), each with an excellent color painting by Scott. It explains classification, morphology (illustrated), biology, sound production, and collection and preservation, and presents pictorial keys to families and subfamilies. Species accounts include common name, scientific name, distribution, map, description, ecology, and similar species comparisons. By connecting us to the natural world, field guides play a crucial role in the environmental movement. This splendid guide fills a gap in that effort and is recommended to amateurs and professionals alike. (Starred Review) * Library Journal *To study any living creature usefully, one must be able to identify it. Moreover, to the amateur naturalist, the ability to recognize and identify is an important part of the pleasure of observing the living world. John L. Capinera, Ralph D. Scott, and Thomas J. Walker have here produced a first-class example of a field guide, worthy of a place on the shelf of any North American naturalist. -- Andrew Harvey * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisThis book should be in the library of every student of the honey bee and bee behavior—beekeepers (both amateur and professional) as well as scientists.Trade ReviewAs a world authority on insect anatomy, Snodgrass has given us in this book a brilliant account of the anatomy of the honey bee and how it relates to the way that bees develop and how and why they function as they do in their interesting communal life. This book should be in the library of every student of the honey bee and bee behavior—beekeepers as well as scientists. The book is delightfully written and is enjoyable reading. * American Bee Journal *This is not just a technical reference book on honey bee anatomy. It is far more: it is essentially a treatise on entomology using one species as an example, and including a discussion of the fundamentals of embryology, development, and metamorphosis as well as anatomy. The subject of each chapter is approached from the broadest evolutionary point of view, and its horizon includes all the arthropods and beyond, so that the bee really typifies animal life in general. Finally, the language of the book is such that it can be read straight through with pleasure. It is a delight to follow the author through this complete examination of one insect: how it develops, how it grows, and how it operates. * Entomological News *

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Book SynopsisWith somewhat surprising answers, the author then concludes his study by examining the extent to which natural flight has been inspiring or instructive for the architects of human flight-airplane designers and engineers.Trade ReviewScientifically accurate, up-to-date, and highly accessible, Nature's Flyers will interest not only amateur and professional ornithologists, ecologists, evolutionary biologists, physiologists, and engineers, but also anyone who is curious about the effects of flight on the evolution and diversity of the natural world. Biology Digest Alexander achieves the difficult feat of explaining intrinsically complex phenomena without using mathematical or entomological jargon. As a result, the book is clear, beautifully written, and suitable for people at all levels... It introduces readers to some long-standing puzzles... How do some insects manage to fly nonstop over hundreds of miles? How do migrating birds find their way?... I recommend the book to anyone who is curious about flight. -- Z. Jane Wang Physics Today Alexander does an excellent job of keeping the amazement and appreciation alive while clearly explaining the complexities of flight in a manner accessible to anyone... a thoroughly enjoyable and informative book. Choice This is a fascinating book and would make a valuable addition to the school library. -- Peter Anderson School Science Review 2006Table of ContentsContents: Foreword, by Steven Vogel Preface ONE - Introduction TWO - How Wings Work THREE - Gliding and Soaring FOUR - Flapping and Hovering FIVE - Staying on Course and Changing Direction SIX - Fueling Flight SEVEN - Evolving Flyers EIGHT - Migrating NINE - Finding the Way TEN - The Global Impact of Animal Flight ELEVEN - Have the Birds and Bees Taught Us Anything Useful? Notes Glossary Bibliography Index

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