Insect Molecular Biology and Ecology


Book Description

Insects represent the most abundant and diverse animal group on Earth. The number of described species is more than one million and up to ten million are estimated. Insects have one of the widest distributions in the world because they have adapted to extreme ranges of environments.Molecular ecology studies ecological processes based on the analysi




Insect Molecular Genetics


Book Description

Developed as an introduction to new molecular genetic techniques, Insect Molecular Genetics also provides literature, terminology, and additional sources of information to students, researchers, and professional entomologists. Although most molecular genetics studies have employed Drosophila, this book applies the same techniques to other insects, including pest insects of economic importance. As a text, as a reference, as a primer, and as a review of a vast and growing literature, Insect Molecular Genetics is a valuable addition to the libraries of entomologists, geneticists, and molecular biologists. - Features offered by this unique reference source: Detailed illustrations - Suggested readings at the end of each chapter - Glossary of molecular genetic terms




Insect Pheromone Biochemistry and Molecular Biology


Book Description

Insect Pheromone Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Second Edition, provides an updated and comprehensive review of the biochemistry and molecular biology of insect pheromone biosynthesis and reception. The book ties together historical information with recent discoveries, provides the reader with the current state of the field, and suggests where future research is headed. Written by international experts, many of whom pioneered studies on insect pheromone production and reception, this release updates the 2003 first edition with an emphasis on recent advances in the field. This book will be an important resource for entomologists and molecular biologists studying all areas of insect communication. - Offers a historical and contemporary perspective, with a focus on advances over the last 15 years - Discusses the molecular and regulatory mechanisms underlying pheromone production/detection, as well as the evolution of these processes across the insects - Led by editors with broad expertise in the metabolic pathways of pheromone production and the biochemical and genetic processes of pheromone detection




Insect Hydrocarbons


Book Description

A unique and critical analysis of the wealth of research conducted on the biology, biochemistry and chemical ecology of the rapidly growing field of insect cuticular hydrocarbons. Authored by leading experts in their respective fields, the twenty chapters show the complexity that has been discovered in the nature and role of hydrocarbons in entomology. Covers, in great depth, aspects of chemistry (structures, qualitative and quantitative analysis), biochemistry (biosynthesis, molecular biology, genetics, evolution), physiology, taxonomy, and ecology. Clearly presents to the reader the array of data, ideas, insights and historical disagreements that have been accumulated during the past half century. An emphasis is placed on the role of insect hydrocarbons in chemical communication, especially among the social insects. Includes the first review on the chemical synthesis of insect hydrocarbons. The material presented is a major resource for current researchers and a source of ideas for new researchers.




Insect Ecology


Book Description

Dr. Timothy Schowalter has succeeded in creating a unique, updated treatment of insect ecology. This revised and expanded text looks at how insects adapt to environmental conditions while maintaining the ability to substantially alter their environment. It covers a range of topics- from individual insects that respond to local changes in the environment and affect resource distribution, to entire insect communities that have the capacity to modify ecosystem conditions.Insect Ecology, Second Edition, synthesizes the latest research in the field and has been produced in full color throughout. It is ideal for students in both entomology and ecology-focused programs.NEW TO THIS EDITION:* New topics such as elemental defense by plants, chaotic models, molecular methods to measure disperson, food web relationships, and more* Expanded sections on plant defenses, insect learning, evolutionary tradeoffs, conservation biology and more* Includes more than 350 new references* More than 40 new full-color figures




Recent Advances in Entomological Research


Book Description

In recent years the field of entomology, due in part to the penetration of other disciplines, has made rapid progress. “Recent Advances in Entomological Research: From Molecular Biology to Pest Management” includes 25 chapters contributed by more than 40 distinguished entomologists and introduces the latest progress in entomology, from molecular biology, insect-plant interactions and insecticide toxicology, to emerging technologies in pest management. Not only is the book interesting and informative, but it provides useful, innovative research advances and will serve as a valuable resource for entomologists, zoologists, botanists and other researchers in the field of plant protection. Tong-Xian Liu is a professor of entomology at the College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, China. Le Kang is a professor of entomology at the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.




Pheromone Biochemistry


Book Description

Pheromone Biochemistry covers chapters on Lepidoptera, ticks, flies, beetles, and even vertebrate olfactory biochemistry. The book discusses pheromone production and its regulation in female insects; as well as reception, perception, and degradation of pheromones by male insects. The text then describes the pheromone biosynthesis and its regulation and the reception and catabolism of pheromones. Researchers in the areas of chemistry, biochemistry, entomology, neurobiology, molecular biology, enzymology, morphology, behavior, and ecology will find the book useful.




Ecology of Insects


Book Description

Fully revised and updated to include new topical study areas, the second edition of the successful text the Ecology of Insects provides a balanced treatment of the theory and practice of pure and applied insect ecology. Includes new topical areas of insect ecology and provides greater coverage of physiological, genetic, molecular, and ecosystem aspects of insect ecology Concepts include the foundations of evolutionary ecology and population dynamics in ecosystem science as they are applied to topics such as climate change, conservation and biodiversity, epidemiology and pest management Fully updated and revised throughout, this new edition refers to primary literature and real world examples. To access the artwork from the book, please visit: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/speightinsects.




Chemical Ecology of Insect Parasitoids


Book Description

Insect parasitoids are a fascinating group of animals in many respects. Perhaps the most fascinating point is that these insects, in the course of the evolutionary time, have developed an impressive way to use chemical compounds to dialogue with the different protagonists of their environment (i.e., conspecifics, their hosts and the plants on which their hosts are living). Unravelling the evolutionary meaning of such chemical communication networks can give new insights into the ecology of these insects and especially on how to improve their use for the control of noxious pests in biological control programmes. Chemical Ecology of Insect Parasitoids is a timely publication, with organised chapters to present the most important knowledge and discoveries that have taken place over the last decade, and their potential use in pest control strategy. Specific relevant case studies are presented to enhance the reader's experience. Suited to graduate students and professional researchers and practitioners in pest management, entomology, evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, and chemical ecology, this book is essential for anyone needing information on this important group of insects.




Insect Evolutionary Ecology


Book Description

Insects provide excellent model systems for understanding evolutionary ecology. They are abundant, small, and relatively easy to rear, and these traits facilitate both field and laboratory experiments. This book has been developed from the Royal Entomological Society's 22nd international symposium, held in Reading in 2003. Topics include speciation and adaptation; life history, phenotype plasticity and genetics; sexual selection and reproductive biology; insect-plant interactions; insect-natural enemy interactions; and social insects.