Entomology Ecology & Biodiversity

Entomology Ecology & Biodiversity
Author: B.K. Tyagi
Publisher: Scientific Publishers
Total Pages: 542
Release: 2011-04-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9386347547

The dominance of insects amongst all living organisms on earth, coupled with infinite wealth of knowledge so important for our own existence, is a fundamental scientific fact which is yet to be widely acknowledged. This dominance means that in numbers of species beyond our comprehension these animals permeate diverse and essential natural processes in Earth's terrestrial, aerial and freshwater ecosystems, contributing to the function of the natural world as a self-sustaining biological system. Invariably insects are an integral and complex part of the terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems with which the future of humans is inextricably linked. Insects have ultimately achieved a formidable diversity. Generally, insects are beneficial organisms, however, many of them are important pests and/or vectors to a large number of parasites and other microbial pathogens to both human being, his associates and the plants. The burden caused by their infestation or infection run up to several million-zillion rupees annually. Therefore, knowledge about extreme biodiversity and ecological relationships of these animals is a practical necessity: in the man's own interest to sustain the species. Packed with original 25 original articles/reviews, this book on 'Entomology: Ecology and Biodiversity' offers an invaluable opportunity to comprehend more deeply about our most intimate allies - the insects! The book truly establishes a foundation in basic entomology through varied and diverse treatment to entomology, while focusing on specialized topics in insect ecology and biodiversity, forensic and medical entomology.

Australian Longhorn Beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Volume 1

Australian Longhorn Beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Volume 1
Author: Adam Slipinski
Publisher: CSIRO PUBLISHING
Total Pages: 503
Release: 2013-09-20
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1486300049

Longhorn Beetles — Cerambycidae are one of the most easily recognised groups of beetles, a family that worldwide encompasses over 33,000 species in 5,200 genera. With over 1,400 species classified in 300 genera, this is the sixth largest among 117 beetle families in Australia. These beetles often attack and kill living forest or orchard trees and develop in construction timber (like European House borer, introduced to WA), causing serious damages. Virtually all Cerambycidae feed on living or dead plant tissues and play a significant role in all terrestrial environments where plants are found. Larvae often utilise damaged or dead trees for their development, and through feeding on rotten wood form an important element of the saproxylic fauna, speeding energy circulation in these habitats. Many species are listed as quarantine pests because of their destructive role to the timber industry. This volume provides a general introduction to the Australian Cerambycidae with sections on biology, phylogeny and morphology of adult and larvae, followed by the keys to the subfamilies and an overview of the 74 genera of the subfamily Lamiinae occurring in Australia. All Lamiinae genera are diagnosed, described and illustrated and an illustrated key to their identification is provided. A full listing of all included Australian species with synonymies and bibliographic citations is also included.

Indian Insects

Indian Insects
Author: S Ramani
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 473
Release: 2019-10-16
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0429592019

Insects are the most interesting and diverse group of organisms on earth, many of which are useful as pollinators of crops and wild plants while others are useful as natural enemies keeping pestiferous insects in check. It is important to conserve these insects for our survival and for this the diversity of insect species inhabiting the different ecosystems of our country must be known. The cornerstone to studies of any kind of organismal diversity is their taxonomic identity. Even after over two and half centuries of studies, so little is known of the insect wealth of our country. It has contributions from taxonomists who have been studying Indian insects for long, this book offers up to date information on many important groups of Indian insects seeking to fill the lacuna of a long felt need for a comprehensive work on the taxonomy of Indian insects. Salient features: Provides an up-to-date taxonomy of major insect groups of India Presents identification keys with illustrations of several important groups of Indian insects Gives a new insight into why insects are so abundant Addresses fundamental questions in mechanoreception and cross kingdom interactions using insects as model systems Indian Insects: Diversity and Science is a festschrift to Professor C. A. Viraktamath, an insect taxonomist par excellence. It has been designed to cater to the needs of academicians, researchers and students who wish to identify insects collected from local environments and will be an invaluable aid for those working in the areas of systematics, ecology, behaviour, diversity and the conservation of insects.

Parasitoid Wasps of South East Asia

Parasitoid Wasps of South East Asia
Author: Buntika A. Butcher
Publisher: CABI
Total Pages: 494
Release: 2023-12-22
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1800620594

Parasitoid wasps are cosmopolitan, numerous and enormously diverse with probably one million or more species worldwide, most of which occur in the moist tropics. Their ecological importance is enormous although perhaps most evident in their major roles in the control of insect pest populations. In natural ecosystems they are integral in regulating populations of a vast number of insects, and therefore are key players in terrestrial food webs. Knowledge of their biology is still very poor because the current state of taxonomy is still in its infancy in most parts of the world.In this book, we provide an overview of the more than 30 families of parasitoid wasps that occur in the 11 countries in South East Asia. Particular emphasis is given to those most commonly encountered and reared, as well as to those used in biological control programmes. Outlines of the morphology, biology, ecology and behaviour of each family, as well as of various important subfamilies are presented. The current state of taxonomy in the region is summarised. Other chapters cover basic biology, behaviour, morphological terminology, phylogeny and methods of specimen collecting, preparation and rearing with particular relevance to the tropics. Modern molecular approaches to speeding taxonomic description of hyperdiverse taxa are considered in depth. All groups are illustrated with colour photographs. This book will be of value to professional entomologists, academics, entomology students and the growing body of amateur entomologists and insect photographers.