This book highlights some agriculturally important plants and their associated arthropod complexes with a biological, as well as an agricultural, perspective. It discusses how limited knowledge of entomology may be used to enhance management of pest species in cultivated sunflower.

The history of interest and practice in insect conservation is summarised and traced through contributions from many of the leaders in the discipline, to provide the first broad global account of how insects have become incorporated into considerations of conservation. The essays collectively cover the genesis and development of insect conservation, emphasising its strong foundation within the northern temperate regions and the contrasts with much of the rest of the world. Major present-day scenarios are discussed, together with possible developments and priorities in insect conservation for the future.

Volume Two of the new guide to the study of biodiversity in insects Volume Two of Insect Biodiversity: Science and Society presents an entirely new, companion volume of a comprehensive resource for the most current research on the influence insects have on humankind and on our endangered environment. With contributions from leading researchers and scholars on the topic, the text explores relevant topics including biodiversity in different habitats and regions, taxonomic groups, and perspectives. Volume Two offers coverage of insect biodiversity in regional settings, such as the Arctic and Asia, and in particular habitats including crops, caves, and islands. The authors also include information on historical, cultural, technical, and climatic perspectives of insect biodiversity. This book explores the wide variety of insect species and their evolutionary relationships. Case studies offer assessments on how insect biodiversity can help meet the needs of a rapidly expanding human population, and examine the consequences that an increased loss of insect species will have on the world. This important text: Offers the most up-to-date information on the important topic of insect biodiversity Explores vital topics such as the impact on insect biodiversity through habitat loss and degradation and climate change With its companion Volume I, presents current information on the biodiversity of all insect orders Contains reviews of insect biodiversity in culture and art, in the fossil record, and in agricultural systems Includes scientific approaches and methods for the study of insect biodiversity The book offers scientists, academics, professionals, and students a guide for a better understanding of the biology and ecology of insects, highlighting the need to sustainably manage ecosystems in an ever-changing global environment.

Biotechnology in Invertebrate Pathology and Cell Culture provides information pertinent to genetically manipulated microbial and viral agents, which will benefit those who are interested in the development and uses of pathogens of invertebrates. This book discusses several topics, including fusion of invertebrate cells, safety of viral insecticides, and potential hazards of biocontrol agents. Organized into five parts encompassing 30 chapters, this book starts with an overview of the selection of effective strains and describes the microbial control in sericultural countries. This text then discusses the differences in crystal composition and toxicity of various subspecies, as well as the sporulation-dependent production of the crystal proteins. Other chapters explore the applications of genetically engineered organisms to biological pest control and discuss the intriguing medical applications through the utilization of invertebrate cell culture and baculoviruses. The final chapter explains the application of biotechnology to insect pathology to increase agricultural productivity. This book is a valuable resource for microbiologists, geneticists, entomologists, parasitologists, virologists, medical researchers, biocontrol researchers, and graduate students.

The ant fauna of the Fijian archipelago is a diverse assemblage of endemic radiations, pan-Pacific species, and exotics introduced from around the world. The Ants of Fiji describes the entire Fijian ant fauna, and includes the results of a recently completed archipelago-wide biodiversity inventory. A total of 187 ant species representing 43 genera are recognized here with an illustrated key to genera, synopses of each species, keys to species of all genera, and a species list. The work is heavily illustrated with specimen images, distribution maps, and habitat elevation charts.