Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description

Numerous and charismatic, the Lepidoptera is one of the most widely studied groups of invertebrates. Advances in molecular tools and genomic techniques have reduced the need for large sizes and mass-rearing, and lepidopteran model systems are increasingly used to illuminate broad-based experimental questions as well as those peculiar to butterflies and moths. Molecular Biology and Genetics of the Lepidoptera presents a wide-ranging collection of studies on the Lepidoptera, treating them as specialized insects with distinctive features and as model systems for carrying out cutting-edge research. Leading researchers provide an evolutionary framework for placing moths and butterflies on the Tree of Life.

The book covers progress in deciphering the silkworm genome and unraveling lepidopteran sex chromosomes. It features new information on sex determination, evolution, and the development of butterfly wing patterns, eyes, vision, circadian clocks, chemoreceptors, and sexual communication. The contributors discuss the genetics and molecular biology of plant host range and prospects for controlling the major crop pest genus Helicoverpa. They also explore the rise of insecticide resistance, the innate immune response, lepidopteran minihosts for testing human pathogens and antibiotics, and the use of intrahemocoelic toxins for control. The book concludes with coverage of polyDNA virus-carrying parasitoid wasps, and the cloning of the first virus resistance gene in the silkworm.

Understanding the biology and genetics of butterflies and moths may lead to new species-selective methods of control, saving billions of dollars in pesticide use and protecting environmental and human health—making the sections on strategies for pest management extremely important. This book will open up new paths to the research literature for a broad audience, including entomologists, evolutionary and systematic biologists, geneticists, physiologists, biochemists, and molecular biologists.

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California has one of the world's most diverse chrysidid wasp faunas. These are large, brightly metallic-colored parasitoids of sphecoid wasps and bees. This study reviews the species and genera of Chrysididae in California, maps their overall distributions, and gives keys to California genera and species. In addition, three species described by Linsenmaier in 1994 are synonymized. ... Read more

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The Neotropical ant genus Linepithema is revised at the species level for the first time. Following extensive synonymy, nineteen species are recognized, including six new species. Taxonomic keys, diagnoses, illustrations, and discussions of the biology, distribution, natural history, and taxonomy are provided. ... Read more

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This book is a comprehensive, fully cross-referenced collection of over 28,000 terms, names and phrases used in entomology, incorporating an estimated 43,000 definitions. It is the only listing which covers insect anatomy, behaviour, biology, ecology, histology, molecular biology, morphology, pest management, taxonomy and systematics. The origin, etymology, part of speech and definition of each term and phrase are all provided, including the language, meaning or root of each term and constituent parts. Where meanings have changed, or terms have been borrowed from other disciplines, the most current usage is indicated.The common names of insects, their scientific binomen and taxonomic classification are provided, with diagnoses of pest species in many cases. All insect order, suborder, superfamily, family and subfamily names are given, together with the diagnostic features of orders and families. Names of deceased entomologists, or scientists from other fields who have contributed to entomology are included, with the citation for their biography or obituary. This book is an essential reference source for all professionals and students of entomology and related disciplines.Note:The only dictionary of its kind available, covering all aspects of insect biology and taxonomy. Also includes the names of prominent entomologists. ... Read more

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A global view of the insect groups that are of major significance to worldwide agriculture in its widest sense. It is intended for use as a college text and presupposes a basic knowledge of entomology. All the main insect groups and many of the important genera are illustrated with hundreds of black-and-white photographs and line drawings.
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Gillott’s thorough yet clear writing style continues to keep Entomology near the top of the class as a text for senior undergraduates, and for graduate students and professionals seeking an introduction to specific entomological topics. The author’s long-held belief that an introductory entomology course should present a balanced treatment of the subject is reflected in the continued arrangement of the book in four sections: Evolution and Diversity, Anatomy and Physiology, Reproduction and Development, and Ecology. For the third edition, all chapters have been updated. This includes not only the addition of new information and concepts but also the reduction or exclusion of material no longer considered "mainstream", so as to keep the book at a reasonable size.

Based on exciting discoveries made during the previous decade, the topics of insect evolutionary relationships, semiochemicals, gas exchange, immune responses (including those of parasites and parasitoids), flight, and the management of pests have received particular attention in the preparation of the third edition. Overall, more than 30 new or significantly revised figures have been incorporated.

Customer Reviews (1)

Well-presented and a logical sequence of material
The book is published as a text for college undergraduates, and iscertainly adequate for its intended purpose.If one does not have ANYbackground in entomology, the material is, at times, just a bit deep, but,even so, is easy to follow.A glossary would be a useful addition to thebook, as the definition of some terms requires one to consult a (universal)dictionary or other textbook.The item most lacking is color plates foridentification; all drawings are in black and white.However, the text isnot intended to be an identification guide, but an in-depth discussion ofthe structure and function of insects and their appendages. Forhigh-school students, the material could become overwhelming.For collegestudents, the text should prove a satisfactory addition to a personal orinstitutional library. ... Read more

Product Description
Elzinga addresses topics on an introductory level, condensing the diversity and complexity of insects and their influence upon the ecosystem into a useful insect framework. This edition has been both updated and expanded to track the latest developments in the field. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Didn't need much, but good reference material.
It's a good book on entomology, but didn't need it much for the class.Still, lots of good info if your having trouble.Wish there were some color pics, though.Good overall.

Good book, but way, WAAAAAY overpriced.
Okay, it's admittedly bad form to give a good book a one-star review on the basis of its price, but I needed to get your attention.

This is the first book I've ever returned to Amazon.com. I was stunned after opening the book; the pages are made of newsprint-grade paper, and the photographs are so murky and blurred as to be near-useless.The text itself is dense and authoritative, but thoroughly dry and uninspiring.

With a little attention to presentation values, this could have been a first-rate textbook, but as it stands, it isn't worth half its current asking price.If you absolutely, positively need to get this book, buy it used.Otherwise, give consideration to getting Gullen and Cranston's "Outline of Entomology".

defense mechanisms in insects
Elzinga, Richard: Fundamentals of Entomology. Fifth edition. Upper saddle river, NewJersy. Prentice Hall 2000.

The above text book is a 495 page book, ISBN number0-13-011493-6.

The book provides a clear introduction to the world of insects. It talks about insect complexity and diversity and their influence on human and the ecosystem in general. There are several interesting concepts in the book but of interest to me was the defense mechanism in different insects. Insects like all organisms are eaten by predators. For protection, they have evolved morphological structures which permit them to bite, flee or sting the attacker. Other behaviors do exist to increase survival. For instance, insects like walking sticks have weakened areas at the trachnter that break under extreme stress. Such an act might occur when the insect is grabbed by a predator. Reflexes within the removed appendages cause the leg to twitch, which diverts attention from the escaping insect. Specialized membranes prevent bleeding and regeneration of the leg may be possible should future molts occur. Another interesting example is the defense mechanism in lady bird beetles and blister beetles. When threatened, some insects are capable of squeezing drops of hemolymph from specialized skeletal weak pints. The hemolymph contains toxic substances such as malachiines and cantharides or repellents. Other insects have the ability to feign death. Many beetles with hard exoskeletons feign death when disturbed and remain motionless for a few seconds or several hours. This lack of movement protects these individuals because many predators require movement of prey as an attack stimulus. Eventually the reflex subsides and then insect returns to normal. Some insects use chemical defense (allomones), a strategy common to insects with extended longevity hence longer exposure to predators and parasites. Although some of these substances are directed to specific predators, most are effective upon a broad spectrum of enemies. They are commonly released from exogenous glands in insects, however, some are present in the hemolymph and are leaked out between sclerites with increased blood pressure. Anal glands in many beetles secrete volatile fluids some of which are ejected with explosive force for distance up to 1 m. Predators react to such fluids as either repellents or irritants, although few are killed. Other insects like moths use sonic behavior to escape predation. Concealing coloration is a common mechanism. Insects blend with their background hence difficult to see. This is called concealing or cryptic coloration. Some like walking sticks resemble twigs while others like treehoppers resemble thorns. This is a successful mechanism unless the insect moves then the predator detects it.

The book fully fulfilled my expectations. Reading the introduction was fun and this is what actually triggered me to read the entire book. The book can suit both young people and the old. The reason is that it talks about things in nature and things we can relate to. We all wonder how those insects in the wild are able to keep safe and this book provided the answer to all my questions. I'm sure it will answer many peoples question as well, therefore, I would most definitely recommend it to a friend.

Top

Defense mechanisms in insects
Elzinga, Richard: Fundamentals of Entomology. Fifth edition. Upper saddle river, NewJersy. Prentice Hall 2000.

The above text book is a 495 page book, ISBN number0-13-011493-6.

The book provides a clear introduction to the world of insects. It talks about insect complexity and diversity and their influence on human and the ecosystem in general. There are several interesting concepts in the book but of interest to me was the defense mechanism in different insects. Insects like all organisms are eaten by predators. For protection, they have evolved morphological structures which permit them to bite, flee or sting the attacker. Other behaviors do exist to increase survival. For instance, insects like walking sticks have weakened areas at the trachnter that break under extreme stress. Such an act might occur when the insect is grabbed by a predator. Reflexes within the removed appendages cause the leg to twitch, which diverts attention from the escaping insect. Specialized membranes prevent bleeding and regeneration of the leg may be possible should future molts occur. Another interesting example is the defense mechanism in lady bird beetles and blister beetles. When threatened, some insects are capable of squeezing drops of hemolymph from specialized skeletal weak pints. The hemolymph contains toxic substances such as malachiines and cantharides or repellents. Other insects have the ability to feign death. Many beetles with hard exoskeletons feign death when disturbed and remain motionless for a few seconds or several hours. This lack of movement protects these individuals because many predators require movement of prey as an attack stimulus. Eventually the reflex subsides and then insect returns to normal. Some insects use chemical defense (allomones), a strategy common to insects with extended longevity hence longer exposure to predators and parasites. Although some of these substances are directed to specific predators, most are effective upon a broad spectrum of enemies. They are commonly released from exogenous glands in insects, however, some are present in the hemolymph and are leaked out between sclerites with increased blood pressure. Anal glands in many beetles secrete volatile fluids some of which are ejected with explosive force for distance up to 1 m. Predators react to such fluids as either repellents or irritants, although few are killed. Other insects like moths use sonic behavior to escape predation. Concealing coloration is a common mechanism. Insects blend with their background hence difficult to see. This is called concealing or cryptic coloration. Some like walking sticks resemble twigs while others like treehoppers resemble thorns. This is a successful mechanism unless the insect moves then the predator detects it.

The book fully fulfilled my expectations. Reading the introduction was fun and this is what actually triggered me to read the entire book. The book can suit both young people and the old. The reason is that it talks about things in nature and things we can relate to. We all wonder how those insects in the wild are able to keep safe and this book provided the answer to all my questions. I'm sure it will answer many peoples question as well, therefore, I would most definitely recommend it to a friend.

Top

... Read more

Product Description
This invaluable text provides a concise introduction to entomology in a forensic context and is also a practical guide to collecting entomological samples at the crime scene.

Forensic Entomology: An Introduction:

• Assumes no prior knowledge of either entomology or biology
• Provides background information about the procedures carried out by the professional forensic entomologist in order to determine key information about post-mortem interval presented by insect evidence
• Includes practical tasks and further reading to enhance understanding of the subject and to enable the reader to gain key laboratory skills and a clear understanding of insect life cycles, the identification features of insects, and aspects of their ecology
• Glossary, photographs, the style of presentation and numerous illustrations have been designed to assist in the identification of insects associated with the corpse; keys are included to help students make this identification

This book is an essential resource for undergraduate Forensic Science and Criminology students and those on conversion postgraduate M.Sc. courses in Forensic Science. It is also useful for Scenes of Crime Officers undertaking diploma studies and Scene Investigating Officers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Who knows?
I might've bought this book if I'd've had a sample. The sample provided covers the table of contents, list of figures, list of tables, and half of the acknowledgements. Gee, thanks. ... Read more

Product Description
Summarizing current knowledge on symbiotic organisms in the biology of insects, Insect Symbiosis, Volume IIdescribes the diversity of symbiotic bacteria associated with pests such as whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, psyllids, and tsetse flies. The book illustrates how symbiosis research has important ramifications for evolutionary biology, physiology, parasitology, genetics, and animal behavior and is especially relevant to the control of agricultural and disease-carrying pests.

In this second volume, a few repeat authors describe brand new aspects of their research, while a new group covers recently developing aspects of symbiotic relationships. The book includes updated information on Wolbachia biology and how it influences insect life, supplies two new examples of using symbionts in crop protection, and discusses the recent “bug in a bug” mealy bug case. The book provides analysis and synthesis of cutting-edge research in insect symbiosis that sheds light on the evolution of the host/symbiont relationship, and in turn, on the general study of evolution, physiology, and genetics. ... Read more

Product Description
Insect Symbiosis is a collection of chapters written by world authorities on the microbes that can be called symbionts that are associated with insects and mites. Whether bacteria, fungi or spiroplasmids, and whether endosymbionts or casual gut symbionts, the authors describe some of the latest work in a field that has grown rapidly since the development of the newer molecular methods, which allowed for the identification of even minute samples of microbes without the need for culturing. This reference summarizes the current knowledge of the relationship between symbiotic organisms and their insect hosts and provides an unparalleled analysis of cutting-edge research on this issue. Findings from international experts reveal possible new ways to control disease-carrying insects and agricultural pests worldwide. An examination of Wolbachia, considered by many as a vehicle to deliver anti-malarial and anti-plant virus strategies, is also included. Insect Symbiosis serves as a great reference on host-parasitic relationships for professionals from a broad range of fields. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

More about bugs than pollen
Mason Crest Publishers is producing a new series of books on forensic science, which are written mostly for children at the junior or senior high school level. There are currently 12 books in the forensic science series ranging in topics from psychological profiling, to fingerprint and DNA analysis, and their latest edition on entomology and palynology. As stated in the introduction, this series was prompted by the recent demand for more information on forensics, the rapidly growing interest fanned by TV (CSI and the Forensic Files on TV, high-profile court cases, & forensic evidence used to catch terrorists), and the role forensics plays in the apprehension and conviction of criminals.
The book is well-written with little use of technical jargon, nicely illustrated, simple to understand, and covers the topics of forensic entomology and palynology with a very broad "brush" leaving out many details, which one would expect to find in a journal article or professional book on these subjects.
It is obvious from reading the book that the author is interested in and is more versed on the field of entomology than palynology. Three-fourth of her book is devoted to discussions of entomology and only one-fourth of the book is reserved for forensic palynology. In addition, it is obvious that she obtained about 95% of all her information about forensic palynology from articles published in our Proceedings of the IX International Palynological Congress: Houston, Texas, USA, 1996, from articles in our journal Palynology, from articles in the AASP Contribution Series # 33, and from articles printed in the AASP Newsletter. The only major forensic source she missed was the recent book by Lynne Milne (A Grain of Truth). For those of us who have written these original articles, we can see our "fingerprints" and almost direct quotes from our articles scattered liberally throughout her discussions of palynology.
For those of you who are curious about how forensic entomologists use insects (mainly types of flies and maggots) to determine the time of death, whether or not the victim had been using prescription or illegal drugs (i.e. maggots grow much faster if feeding on a victim who used cocaine), and sometime even where the crime occurred, even if the body has been moved (i.e. urban flies and maggots are often different from those living in rural areas), then this book would provide a brief and easy-to-read overview.The book also provides a brief historical look at the development of forensic entomology from its apparent beginning in A.D. 1235 in China, when a farm worker was convicted of a murder because flies were attracted to the fresh blood on his sickle used to kill his victim.
The book is a quick read and will provide you with the basics of how and why both forensic entomology and forensic palynology are effective tools in the search for and apprehension of criminals. If you are a palynologist, I doubt that reading this book will expand your currently knowledge of palynology very much. However, if you study pollen and spores but have no previous knowledge about how pollen and forensics are becoming effective tools in criminal investigations, then you might enjoy the section on palynology.I think it is a great book for children who might want to know more about forensics and might encourage some of them to consider forensics or even palynology as a future career.My major complaint about the book is that throughout the entire section on forensic palynology she makes no mention of the names of the individuals (Mildenhall, Graham, Jarzen, Wiltshire, Bryant, Jones, Horrocks, etc.) who had written the works that she uses to discuss the subject.I also found it amazing that in the book's section listed as, "Further Reading," there is not a single reference to any article, chapter,book, or web site pertaining to forensic palynology!

Brief and generalized overview written at teen/young adult level
This book is part of a series of forensic science books and gives a brief, general, overview of what forensic entomology and palynology are.It is written at young adult comprehension level and is found in that section in my local library.The book provides the reader with an idea of what entomology and palynology are, who practices these areas, and common uses for them as they relate to forensics.It also provides examples, caes studies, and short histories of the fields, but doesn't really get into specifics about techniques or technical details.If you are looking for an in-depth book or one with techniques and procedures, this is not the book for you.In fact, I "Googled" forensic entomology and in the first 3 or 4 websites found virtually everything that this book had within it.On the positive side, this book could be used as a reference source and does list websites, agencies, and resources where one could find more information. Overall, this is an enjoyable, light read on the subject.If you want details, look elsewhere. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Volume: 28; Original Publisher: J. Van Voorst; Publication date: 1895; Subjects: Entomology; Juvenile Nonfiction / Animals / Insects, Spiders, etc; Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Insects, Spiders, etc; Nature / Insects ... Read more