Insect Biodiversity : Science and Society

by Foottit, Robert G.; Adler, Peter H.

• ISBN13: 9781405151429
• ISBN10: 1405151420
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-04-20
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

Insect Biodiversity: Science and Society brings together leading scientific experts to assess the impact insects have on humankind and the earth's fragile ecosystems. It examines why insect biodiversity matters and how the rapid evolution of insect species is affecting us all.Insects and related arthropods make up more than 50 percent of the known animal diversity globally, yet a lack of knowledge about insects is hindering the advance of science and society. This book explores the wide variety in type and number 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 also examine the consequences that an increased loss of insect species will have on the world.The book concludes that a better understanding of the biology and ecology of insects is the only way to sustainably manage ecosystems in an ever changing global environment.

Author Biography

Robert G. Foottit is a research scientist specializing in the taxonomy of aphids and related groups, with the Canadian National Collection of Insects and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. His research interests include the use of morphological and molecular approaches in the study of aphid species and populations, particularly those of economic interest as pests and invasive species. He has conducted field work throughout Canada and the United States as well as the Pacific Basin area.

Peter H. Adler is a professor of entomology at Clemson University, where he has held a teaching and research appointment for more than 20 years, specializing in the behavior, ecology, and systematics of insects, particularly Diptera. He has conducted research throughout North America, as well as in the Caucusus, Russia, Europe, the Amazon Basin, and Southeast Asia. He is the senior author of the 2004 award-winning book The Black Flies (Simuliidae) of North America published by Cornell University Press.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

The Importance of Insects

Insect Biodiversity: Regional Examples

Insect Biodiversity in the Nearctic Region

Amazonian Rainforests and Their Richness of Coleoptera, a Dominant Life Form in the Critical Zone of the Neotropics

Insect Biodiversity in the Afrotropical Region

Biodiversity of Australasian Insects

Insect Biodiversity in the Palearctic Region

Insect Biodiversity: Taxon Examples

Biodiversity of Aquatic Insects

Biodiversity of Diptera

Biodiversity of Heteroptera

Biodiversity of Coleoptera

Biodiversity of Hymenoptera

Lepidoptera Biodiversity

Tools and Approaches

The Science of Insect Taxonomy: Prospects and Needs

Insect Species û Concepts and Practice

Molecular Dimensions of Insect Taxonomy

DNA Barcodes and Insect Biodiversity

Insect Biodiversity and Informatics

Parasitoid Diversity and Insect Pest Management

Taxonomy of Crop Pests: The Aphids

Adventive Insects: A Global Overview

Biodiversity of Biting Flies: Implications for Humanity

Reconciling Ethical and Scientific Issues for Insect Conservation

Insect Biodiversity: Assessment and Taxonomy Ke

Insect Biodiversity ù Millions and Millions

Taxonomic Index

Subject Index

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