Xylocopa Unveiled : The Buzzing Giants of India

Xylocopa Unveiled : The Buzzing Giants of India
Author: Dr. Umer Bin Farook
Publisher: Academic Guru Publishing House
Total Pages: 221
Release: 2024-01-25
Genre: Study Aids
ISBN: 8196971451

"Xylocopa of India" is a comprehensive exploration of the taxonomy, biology, behaviour, and ecological significance of the large carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) found in the diverse landscapes of India, with a particular focus on the Northwestern Himalayan region encompassing Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The book comprises ten chapters, each delving into different aspects of the biology and ecology of these fascinating insects. The first chapter, "Taxonomy and Classification," provides an in-depth overview of the taxonomy and classification of Xylocopa spp., elucidating the morphological characteristics and phylogenetic relationships within the subfamily Xylocopinae. It serves as a foundational guide for understanding the systematic arrangement of these bees. Chapter 2, "Morphology and Anatomy," explores the anatomical features and morphological adaptations of large carpenter bees, offering insights into their structural attributes and physiological functions. This chapter serves as a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts interested in the intricate anatomy of these insects. "Life Cycle," the third chapter, delves into the various stages of the life cycle of Xylocopa spp., from egg to adult, elucidating the developmental processes and behavioural patterns associated with each life stage. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the life history of these bees. Chapter 4, "Behaviour and Ecology," investigates the behavioural repertoire and ecological interactions of large carpenter bees, shedding light on their nesting behaviour, foraging habits, and roles as pollinators in diverse ecosystems. It explores the intricate web of ecological relationships that shape the lives of these insects. The fifth chapter, "Habitat and Distribution," examines the habitat preferences and geographical distribution of Xylocopa spp. across India, with a focus on the Northwestern Himalayan region. It provides valuable insights into the ecological requirements and spatial dynamics of these bees. In "Ecological Significance," Chapter 6, the ecological roles and contributions of large carpenter bees to ecosystem functioning are explored, highlighting their importance as pollinators and their interactions with flowering plants and other organisms. "Human Interaction," Chapter 7, delves into the complex interplay between humans and Xylocopa spp., addressing issues of human-wildlife conflict, habitat degradation, and conservation challenges faced by these bees in the face of anthropogenic pressures. Chapter 8, "Field Identification," offers practical guidance and tools for field identification of Xylocopa spp., equipping researchers, naturalists, and conservationists with the necessary skills to accurately identify these bees in their natural habitats. "Research and Discoveries," Chapter 9, showcases recent research findings and discoveries related to large carpenter bees, highlighting advances in understanding their biology, behaviour, and ecological roles. The final chapter, "Diversity of Xylocopa spp.," presents experimental research findings on the diversity and distribution of Xylocopa spp. in the Northwestern Himalayan region, offering insights into their taxonomic diversity, genetic relationships, and ecological significance. This chapter culminates in a comprehensive conclusion summarizing key findings and implications for future research and conservation efforts.

Pollination Biology

Pollination Biology
Author: Dharam P. Abrol
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 812
Release: 2011-10-05
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9400719426

This book has a wider approach not strictly focused on crop production compared to other books that are strictly oriented towards bees, but has a generalist approach to pollination biology. It also highlights relationships between introduced and wild pollinators and consequences of such introductions on communities of wild pollinating insects. The chapters on biochemical basis of plant-pollination interaction, pollination energetics, climate change and pollinators and pollinators as bioindicators of ecosystem functioning provide a base for future insights into pollination biology. The role of honeybees and wild bees on crop pollination, value of bee pollination, planned honeybee pollination, non-bee pollinators, safety of pollinators, pollination in cages, pollination for hybrid seed production, the problem of diseases, genetically modified plants and bees, the role of bees in improving food security and livelihoods, capacity building and awareness for pollinators are also discussed.

Good beekeeping practices for sustainable apiculture

Good beekeeping practices for sustainable apiculture
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 262
Release: 2021-09-21
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 9251346127

Bees provide a critical link in the maintenance of ecosystems, pollination. They play a major role in maintaining biodiversity, ensuring the survival of many plants, enhancing forest regeneration, providing sustainability and adaptation to climate change and improving the quality and quantity of agricultural production systems. In fact, close to 75 percent of the world’s crops that produce fruits and seeds for human consumption depend, at least in part, on pollinators for sustained production, yield and quality. Beekeeping, also called apiculture, refers to all activities concerned with the practical management of social bee species. These guidelines aim to provide useful information and suggestions for a sustainable management of bees around the world, which can then be applied to project development and implementation.

The Economic Importance of Insects

The Economic Importance of Insects
Author: Dennis S. Hill
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 400
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9401153485

In the last few decades there has been an ever-increasing component in most BSc Zoology degree courses of cell biology, physiology and genetics, for spectacular developments have taken place in these fields. Some aspects of biotechnology are now also being included. In order to accommodate the new material, the old zoology courses were altered and the traditional two-year basis of systematics of the animal kingdom, comparative anatomy (and physiology) and evolution, was either severely trimmed or reduced and presented in an abridged form under another title. Soon after these course alterations came the swing to modular teaching in the form of a series of shorter, separate courses, some of which were optional. The entire BSc degree course took on a different appearance and several different basic themes became possible. One major result was that in the great majority of cases taxonomy and systematics were no longer taught and biology students graduated without this basic training. We field biologists did appreciate the rising interest in ecology and environ mental studies, but at the same time lamented the shortage of taxonomic skills, so that often field work was based on incorrect identifications. For years many of us with taxonomic inclinations have been bedevilled by the problem of teaching systematics to undergraduates. At a guess, maybe only 5% of students find systematics interesting. It is, however, the very basis of all studies in biology - the correct identification of the organism concerned and its relationships to others in the community.

Pollination of Cultivated Plants in the Tropics

Pollination of Cultivated Plants in the Tropics
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 216
Release: 1995
Genre: Gardening
ISBN: 9789251036594

This bulletin, based on contributions from various contributors and edited by Dr. D.W. Roubik, introduces the reader to various aspects of natural and insect pollination. It discusses the pollinators themselves, and the ecological and economic importance of pollination, as well as applied pollination in temperate, tropical oceanic islands and mainland tropics, and alternatives to artificial pollinator populations. Prospects for the future are also discussed. Chapter 2 deals with successful pollination with pollinator populations, the evaluation of pollinators and floral biology and research techniques. The behaviour of pollinators and plant phenology and various case studies on the preparation of pollinators for use in tropical agriculture are also discussed. A glossary and various appendices regarding cultivated and semi-cultivated plants in the tropics, pollination contracts and levels of safety of pesticides for bees and other pollinators are included.

Honeybees of Asia

Honeybees of Asia
Author: H. Randall Hepburn
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 672
Release: 2011-01-04
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642164226

A multi-authored work on the basic biology of Asian honeybees, written by expert specialists in the field, this book highlights phylogeny, classification, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, biogeography, genetics, physiology, pheromones, nesting, self-assembly processes, swarming, migration and absconding, reproduction, ecology, foraging and flight, dance languages, pollination, diseases/pests, colony defensiveness and natural enemies, honeybee mites, and interspecific interactions. Comprehensively covering the widely dispersed literature published in European as well as Asian-language journals and books, "Honeybees of Asia" provides an essential foundation for future research.

British bees

British bees
Author: William Edward Shuckard
Publisher:
Total Pages: 478
Release: 1866
Genre: Bees
ISBN: