Abstract

The Encyclopedia of Insects is a comprehensive work devoted to all aspects of insects, including their anatomy, physiology, evolution, behavior, reproduction, ecology, and disease, as well as issues of exploitation, conservation, and management. Articles provide definitive facts about all insects from aphids, beetles and butterflies to weevils and yellowjackets.
Insects are beautiful and dreadful, ravenous pests and devastating disease vectors, resilient and resistant to eradication, and the source of great benefit and great loss for civilization. Important for ecosystem health, they have influenced the evolution of other life forms on our planet including humans. Anyone interested in insects, from university professors and researchers to high school students preparing a report, will find The Encyclopedia of Insects an indispensable volume for insect information.
* An unprecedented collection in 1,276 pages covering every important aspect of insects
* Presents 270 original articles, thoroughly peer reviewed and edited for consistency
* Features 1,000 figures and tables, including 500 full-color photographs
* Includes the latest information contributed by 250 experts in 17 countries
* Designed to save research time with a full glossary, 1,700 cross-references, and 3,000 bibliographic entries
"...a truly spectacular book. ...The wealth of information this attractively illustrated book presents will make it a valued reference..."
-P. K. Lago for CHOICE, September 2003
"The best insect book I have come across in my career...the right balance of scholarly information, depth and engaging interest..."
-Michael Majerus for NEW SCIENTIST, August 2003
"...This comprehensive survey of the insect world will provide...depth well beyond the usual smattering of identification guides."
-LAWRENCE LOOKS AT BOOKS, Gale Group
"...this book should be on the shelf of every biologist and naturalist. It is a gold-mine of fascinating information..."
-Paul R. Ehrlich, President, Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University
"This comprehensive work is a definitive account of the most diverse...and least appreciated and understood groups of animals..."
-Edward O. Wilson, Professor Emeritus, Harvard University
"The editors have recruited an impressive team of international experts...an invaluable work of reference."
-Sir Richard Southwood, Emeritus Professor, University of Oxford
"More than 250 individual articles are clearly and concisely written...a must for all biological libraries and individual biologists."
-Peter Raven, Director, Missouri Botanical Gardens
"The Encyclopedia does a remarkable job of combining basic information...with an engaging sense of the sheer wonder of insect diversity."
-Lord Robert May, University of Oxford; President, The Royal Society