Venoms of the Hymenoptera: Biochemical, Pharmacological, and Behavioral Aspects contains papers that deals with the study of the venoms and toxins produced by insects belonging to the order of the Hymenoptera. The book provides a considerable amount of information in the study of the venoms of the Hymenoptera. There are chapters that focus on the history of the research made on the order of the Hymenoptera; the stinging apparatus; venom collection; physiological effects of venoms produced by particular insects belonging to the order; and the pharmacological uses of the venoms and toxins. Entomologists, physiologists, pharmacologists, biochemists, and researchers developing drugs and pesticides will find this text extremely useful.

Bee or wasp venom therapy is the therapeutic application of honeybee venom or wasp venom to the treatment of various diseases. Venoms from either honeybees or wasps are known to possess a wide variety of pharmaceutical properties. Recent studies using these venoms have demonstrated diverse mechanisms on a range of conditions. However, identification of a single constituent out of the venom, the possible mechanisms, and a justification of the route of application and formulation are essential in the future. Understanding the signalling pathways associated with the compound-mediated in vivo dynamics and further communication between cells at the molecular level will facilitate the development of new therapeutics.

The papers collected in this volume were presented at the International Symposium on Hypotensive Peptides held in Flor ence, Italy, on October 25-29, 1965. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together scientists of fourteen countries ranging from the chemist to the surgeon, who usually do not speak a common language and for whom it would be quite difficult to follow the latest developments in fields allied to, but still some what removed from their basic interest. Their reports sum marized their recent progress and current achievements, and gave indication of the trend that future research on hypotensive peptides may take. Various aspects of the structure and function of brady kinin, kallidin, kallikrein, gastrin, eledoiSin, physalaemin, sub stance P, and related substances were discussed during the nine sessions. The first session was devoted to the chemistry of peptides. This was followed in loose order by reports dealing with the structure of some newer peptides, with kininogen, and with enzymes that release or inactivate peptides. Subsequently, reports on the physiological, pharmacological, pathological, and clinical importance of kinins, kallikrein, and eledoisin were presented. One entire session was devoted to substance P. At the closing session two motion pictures demonstrated the effect of the peptides on the circulation. The appendix of this volume contains the report of the international Committee on Nomenclature.

With over 400 pages and 900 full-color illustrations, The Social Wasps of North America is the world's first complete illustrated field guide to all known species of social wasps from the high arctic of Greenland and Alaska to the tropical forests of Panama and Grenada. For beginners, experts, and everyone in-between, The Social Wasps of North America provides new insights about some of the world’s least popular beneficial insects, plus tips and tricks to avoid painful stings. This book includes detailed information about the ecology, evolution, taxonomy, anatomy, nest architecture, and conservation of social wasp species. To purchase this book in softcover format, visit our website at OwlflyLLC.com/publications.