Insects : An Outline of Entomology

by P. J. Gullan (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1994

  $8.60

  This text book starts with general entomological issues, surveying the significance of insects, their internal and external structure and how they reproduce, develop and sense their environment. Key features in the success of insects are explored in a phylogenetic interpretation of their evolution. Major themes in insect biology follow: the ecology of ground-dwelling, aquatic and plant-feeding insects, and their social, predatory, parasitic and defensive behaviour. Special consideration is given to insects in medical, veterinary and agricultural science, and to pest management. The traditional order-by-order arrangement of other texts is replaced by a systematic synopsis of each insect order at the end of the appropriate ecological/behavioural chapter. The theoretical framework of cladistics and current evolutionary and behavioural theory underlies the text. Over 200 beautiful drawings of insects, many as seen under natural conditions, will encourage the rewarding study of entomology, whether as a vocation or as a hobby. This book is suitable for students contemplating entomology as a career, and may be used as a principal text for higher education courses in which the study of insects is prominent. These range from mainstream entomology to agricultural science, forestry, zoology and medical and veterinary science. This book should be of interest to senior undergraduates reading entomology modules in biology courses; postgraduates needing more background information.

• Used

  Paperback
  1999

  $3.25

  This established textbook continues to provide a comprehensive and stimulating introduction to insects, a group of animals that represent over half of the planet's biological diversity. It commences with a review of the significance of insects, their immense diversity and their patterns of distribution. Insects influence all of our activities, and in seeking to understand their success, the key features of insect anatomy, physiology, behaviour, ecology, phylogeny and evolution are identified by the authors. The book is organized around major biological themes - the ecology and behaviour of living on the ground, in water, on plants, in colonies, and as predators, parasites and prey; a strong evolutionary theme is maintained throughout. The economic importance of insects is considered in chapters on medical and veterinary entomology, and pest management. A systematic synopsis of each insect order is given in the appropriate chapter, summarized in the end pages, and replaces the traditional taxon-by-taxon arrangement of other books. Methods of collecting, preserving and identifying insects are dealt with in a new final chapter, and the book ends with a tabular identification guide to insect orders. The authors maintain the tradition of clarity and conciseness set by the first edition, and the text is extensively illustrated with many newly-commissioned hand-drawn figures. A colour plate section has also been added to enhance the text and visually demonstrate essential points in the book. The illustrations and the informative text aim to encourage the scientific study of insects, either as a vocation or as a hobby. The book is intended as the principal text for students taking courses in entomology, as well as wider degree programmes in which the study of insects is important, such as ecology, agriculture, fisheries and forestry, palaeontology, zoology, and medical and veterinary science.