Description
Book SynopsisCHOICE Highly Recommended title, 2022!
Forest insects play important roles ecologically and economically. They pollinate plants, decompose dead plant and animal tissue, provide food for vertebrates, regulate pest organisms and shape entire landscapes. Some are considered pests, while others provide usable products. Introduced species may become invasive, while the survival of others is threatened.
Forest Insects in Europe: Diversity, Functions and Importance has been written not only with professional entomologists in mind, but also for nature lovers generally. The descriptions of the various roles insects play in forest ecosystems are intended to be easily comprehensible, but still scientific. The book is richly illustrated with attractive photos and contains 580 fascinating colour images of more than 300 different insect and spider species. The German edition was awarded the Prix Moulines by the Swiss Entomological Society
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I cannot wait to get my hands on this book! Aside from Wermelinger's very special conceptual approach, his excellent pictures are highly relevant for European forests (there are not many knowledgeable entomologists that also are keen photographers). 'Forest Insects in Europe' will become a new standard for a holistic approach to forest insects. Highly topical in today's era of climatic shifts and insect outbreaks, the book brings originality and incites rethinking of one's involvement in forest ecosystem, even for a forestry-educated professional and specialist like myself. As well as being of interest to hobbyists and nature lovers, the book should be included as reading on entomological courses, especially at the university level.
-- Boris Hrasovec, Ph.D., Full Professor, Faculty of Forestry, University of Zagreb, Croatia
This book will make a nice addition to the libraries of any forestry professionals or amateur environmentalists who would like a well-illustrated compendium of insect roles in forests and how these affect human use of forests. It provides a focused and comprehensive treatment and is illustrated with outstanding photographs.
-- Timothy D. Schowalter, Professor Emeritus, Entomology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
I cannot wait to get my hands on this book! Aside from Wermelinger's very special conceptual approach, his excellent pictures are highly relevant for European forests (there are not many knowledgeable entomologists that also are keen photographers). 'Forest Insects in Europe' will become a new standard for a holistic approach to forest insects. Highly topical in today's era of climatic shifts and insect outbreaks, the book brings originality and incites rethinking of one's involvement in forest ecosystem, even for a forestry-educated professional and specialist like myself. As well as being of interest to hobbyists and nature lovers, the book should be included as reading on entomological courses, especially at the university level.
-- Boris Hrasovec, Ph.D., Full Professor, Faculty of Forestry, University of Zagreb, Croatia
This book will make a nice addition to the libraries of any forestry professionals or amateur environmentalists who would like a well-illustrated compendium of insect roles in forests and how these affect human use of forests. It provides a focused and comprehensive treatment and is illustrated with outstanding photographs.
-- Timothy D. Schowalter, Professor Emeritus, Entomology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Table of ContentsPreface. 1 Diversity and functions of insects. PART 1 ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS. 2 Insects and plant reproduction. 3 Turnover of green plant biomass. 4 Decomposition of wood. 5 Exploitation of animal waste. 6 Maintaining soil fertility. 7 Food for other organisms. 8 Natural enemies. 9 Antagonists of bark beetles. 10 Ecological significance of wood ants. 11 Transport of organisms. 12 Maintenance of stand vitality. PART 2 IMPACTS ON HUMANS. 14 Economic damage. 15 Medical significance. 16 Usable insect products. 17 Introduced species. 18 Endangered forest insects. Bibliography. Photo credits. Glossary. Species index.
