In this volume, seven of the chapters deal with feeding and diet, which is reasonable since insects consume an estimated l5-20% of all the world's planted crops. Many insects even have a specialized larval feeding stage that usually occupies a different ecological niche to the adult and so does not compete for the adult's food stock. Other chapters describe the means by which insects maintain their water balance, nitrogen balance and temperature balance under a range of conditions. These involve regulation by hormonal and behavioural systems that are also described here. The l4 chapters are all extensively illustrated and referenced and therefore provide excellent summaries of current knowledge. They will be of great value to entomologists, zoologists and biologists in general.

Endocrinology II concerns the actions of hormones in insects, complementing Volume 7 which is concerned with the production and chemistry of insect hormones. While the preceding volume is directed mainly towards the insect endocrinologist, this volume has much of intrinsic interest to the general physiologist. It deals with the regulation of metabolism, reproduction, cuticle properties, and certain aspects of behaviour from a systems point of view and amply documents how hormones have provided basic insights into the functioning of such systems. Interference in endocrine regulation could provide future systems for insect control and this volume will provide the foundation on which the future formulation of these strategies is based. More information on diverse aspects of insect hormone action is brought together here than in any previous single work and this volume will therefore be a valuable reference source for many years to come.

Over the past 25 years insect pharmacology has grown from a fledgling subject to one that occupies a major field of science. Volume ll reviews insect pharmacology past and present and effectively captures the growing confidence which imbues the world of the insect pharmacologist. It contains l5 chapters written in authoritative fashion by leading scientists and is fully illustrated and referenced. Insect preparations are proving ideal for resolving problems in pharmacology which have general significance, particularly at the molecular and genetic levels. This volume contains a wealth of data, information and ideas and will therefore be a valuable asset to all in academic or industrial research concerned with the science and control of insects.