Book Description

First published in the 1950s by the late James Borror and Dwight Moore DeLong, this classic text, INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF INSECTS 7TH EDITION, combines the study of insects with clear and current insect identification. In this new edition (available in a bundle with InfoTrac College Edition), Johnson and Triplehorn supply updated information on phylogeny using systematics while adding a greater emphasis on insect biology and evolution. This greater concentration on insect systematics necessitated many content changes including an added chapter for a newly described order, the Mantophasmatodea, as well as a new chapter reclassifying Order Homoptera (Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Hoppers Psyllids) into Order Hemiptera. Nearly every order has been modified, sometimes substantially, to reflect new discoveries and scientific hypotheses. Many new families have been added throughout the book, some reflecting revised classifications, but many are the result of the discovery of new groups within the United States and Canada, particularly from the New World tropics. These include the families Platystictidae (Odonata), Mackenziellidae (Collembola), Mantoididae (Mantodea), and Fauriellidae (Thysanoptera).The results of molecular analyses are beginning to substantively contribute to the development of a robust and predictive classification. Thus, the phylogeny of insects has changed drastically from the last edition due to the incorporation of molecular data. The most conspicuous of these changes, for example, is the recognition that the order Strepsiptera is most closely related to the true flies (Diptera), rather than to the Coleoptera. Since it was first published in the 1950s, this text has played an important role in understanding and preserving the diversity of the insect world. This title's long history, coupled with the authors' passion for currency and accuracy, make it once again the classic text and reference. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

An Updated Version of a Great Classic
This is the book on insect taxonomy that most entomologists had as their text in introductory courses. The current (7th) edition is revised to fit recent changes in classification and certainly continues the standard set by Borror and DeLong many years ago. It was never intended to be a text in physiology, behavior or ecology. There are texts for these subjects available and just covering the systematic aspects of insects thoroughly is enough of a task.

My only quibbles have to do with some changes in arrangement of orders that I am not sure of (such as the union of Hemiptera and Homoptera, and Anoplura and Mallophaga - the latter was also true of the 6th ed.) and the fact that scorpion taxonomy was apparently not revised at all, despite numerous changes in the last several years.

However, that said, this edition is a continued improvement of a great classic of entomology. Among highlights are Jeremy Miller's and Darrell Ubick's excellent revision of the spider section and the new format for keys to the insects making them easier to use.

Without a doubt this will remain the best standard textbook on insect taxonomy available and I recommend it with only the minor reservations noted.

Exactly what I wanted!
I don't study Insects proffesionaly, I am simply curious about living things around me. I have several Field Guides that offer very little information about the Insect in question (which I suppose is all to be expected from a small book) and I wanted to know more. For instance how do the mouth parts work, what are the different body segments and what do they house or what is their function.Well here it is in "Black and White" litteraly... If you want pretty color pictures this is not the book for you. The figures in the book are however, very detailed, expertly drawn and all body parts are labled. So far every answer I have sought has been answered by this book.I believe that this book is well worth the high price tag. Remember this is only MY opinion, I could be wrong...

excellent book for keying families
I had to purchase this book for a class in my undergraduate work. However, as a graduate student, I use this book every semester. I am presently working in a lab and i.d many samples of insects. Some common, some not. I often reach for it to get to family so I can key to genus and species if I need to take the i.d. that far. The numbered keys are great! They reference forward and backward, which really helps if a mistake is made. Definitely a good one to have on the shelves.

A great book for pre-entomologist
It is the most appropriate book I have seen for graudate student who want to be an entomologist. It have a comprehensive knowledge on how to study the insects.

A good book for some purposes
This a good book for who seek for taxonomic keys to identify insects in the laboratory. Its large size make it difficult in the field. Some aspects are neglected, e.g. physiology and evolution. I think there are a lot of better books for these subjects. ... Read more

Book Description

Jeffrey Glassberg's acclaimed Butterflies through Binoculars guides have revolutionized the way we view butterflies. Now there's a field guide in the same practical format, and with the same emphasis on conservation, to identify caterpillars. Caterpillars are as varied, fascinating, and often as colorful as the adult butterflies they become. This is the most comprehensive guide to these creatures available. It contains all the information necessary to find and identify the caterpillars of North America--from Two-tailed Swallowtails, some of the largest butterfly caterpillars at just over two inches when fully grown, to tiny Western Pygmy-Blues. Caterpillar seekers will learn how to distinguish between butterfly caterpillars and moth caterpillars, where and how to find caterpillars, and the visual differences between young and older caterpillars. Each species section describes how to identify the caterpillar, complete with brilliant photos--many published here for the first time. To make for easy field use, each caterpillar's key physical features, abundance, habitat, and major hostplants are listed on the same page as its photo. The book also contains a special section on butterfly gardening, offering valuable information on how to set up a butterfly garden and raise healthy butterfly caterpillars, and provides a thorough list of the plants butterflies most like to feast on. From the concerned gardener who wishes not to kill caterpillars that may one day become beautiful butterflies to the serious butterflier wishing to take the hobby to the next level, this remarkable guide will provide all of the information necessary for an enriching caterpillar experience. ... Read more

Book Description

Believe it or not, bees are one of the oldest species of domesticated animals. Archeologists have found evidence of beekeeping, or apiculture, in the Middle East dating back more than five thousand years. If you’ve ever tasted good clover honey, it’s not hard to understand why. But it’s not just for the honey that more than 125,000 people (and growing) in the United States, alone, keep hives. Anyone interested in nature can’t help but be fascinated by those buzzing yellow bundles of energy and the exotic world they inhabit, with all its weird rituals and incredible efficiency. Also, dedicated gardeners appreciate the extra bounty that pollinating bees bring to their fruits, flowers, and vegetable gardens.

In this easy-to-follow guide, Howland Blackiston, one of the nation’s most respected authorities on the subject, takes the mystery (and the sting) out of beekeeping. Taking a step-by-step approach to successful backyard beekeeping, he gets you up and running with all the information you need to:

• Build a hive
• Establish your first colony
• Inspect your hives with confidence
• Maintain healthy colonies
• Deal with pests and fix common problems
• Harvest and enjoy fresh homemade honey
• Bottle and market your honey

Howland Blackiston covers all the bases, from bee anatomy, society, and behavior, to identifying and healing common illnesses afflicting bees. He also offers inventive solutions to most common and many uncommon problems you’re likely to run into. Among other things, you’ll discover:

• Where to put your hive, basic equipment you’ll need, and how to assemble a hive
• The best and safest way to inspect and enjoy your bees
• Year-round tasks a beekeeper must perform to maintain a healthy colony
• How to recognize and deal with common problems with brood production and the precious queen
• How to harvest honey and decide what kind of honey you’d like to make
• Making products from beeswax and propolis

For both fun and profit, beekeeping has become a booming enterprise. A real honey of a book, Beekeeping For Dummies gets you on the road to enjoying this ancient, highly-rewarding, and oh-so-tasty hobby. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A good read for the new or beginning beekeeper
I would highly recommend this book to the new or beginning beekeeper. It is a very good read and is not nearly as dry or flowerly as several of the books out there on the subject. It does an excellent job of walking you thru the basics of setting up a bee hive and what to look for once your bee hive is populated. It lost a star in my veiw because it does not cover well everything that an experienced beekeeper needs to know and, if you are really a "dummy" beekeeping is not for you.

Simple, Educational and Entertaining ....PERFECT!
I have been contimplating starting bees as a hobby. I ordered the book and couldn't put it down. The author shares his facination with bees and gives straight forward help on all the questions you have. He even addresses things like fear of bees and how to "sell" your neighbors. I loved it! I ordered a hive, equipment, and bees yesterday and I can't wait until they arrive.

Good for Dummies
Keep in mind this book has a "dummies" slant. It's a great beginner book and I own a copy. I recommend it. Lots of conversational plain english, funny cartoons, photographs, etc. But, buy another book as well to round out your knowledge. For example, Howland doesn't explain *why* you need an inner cover... just says it's part of the hive. He only provides *one* technique for queen introduction (a good one), when there are several others. Then he perpetuates the myth that you should scrape a bee's stinger away rather than pinch it away (Discover magazine, et. al., now dispute this), and when discussing *moving* a hive, he leaves out the "3 mile rule" and the "1 foot per day" approach, etc. He suggests using motor oil moats to prevent ants (works great), but doesn't mention that vegetable oil works great also, without being as noxious. Like I say, great book, buy it, but get some others too.

The Best for Beginners
Being a complete dummie about Bees I was looking for the basics in a how-to book. I have not always been pleased with previous "For Dummies" books but this one is good. It is complete with advice for what you need to start, what is really necessary and what is optional, and how to decide. I am up and running with my bees and owe a lot to this book. When I went to the supplier I knew enough to make educated decisions on what to buy. I bought two other books and they were a waste of time.

A Golden Start
A well-written practical book for the novice beekeeper and for those whishing to recheck their habits, good or bad. It is an easy book to read, the tips are practical, informed and work. I still have not yet found the courage to not use gloves! I would recommend this informative book to all who wish to enter the wonderful world of bee keeping. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Good First Textbook
I've had my copy of Aquatic Entomology for almost 15 years now. I still refer to it quite often. It's a great first text for someone wanting to learn the craft of identification of aquatic insects. This IS a technical book, but not as technical as some (Merrit and Cummings for example). If your a fisherman who only wants to know what a Mayfly, Caddisfly or Stonefly looks like, then this book is not for you. This book also assumes some basic knowledge of aquatic insects. If you want to be able to recognize the major families of these (and other) orders than this is a great book to start with. There is a lot of information for the fisherman who is willing to "read between the lines". Know the basic natural history of certain insect groups will help one to be a better fisherman. This text also gives the basics of aquatic insect collection and storage. There is a tremendous world of diversity in our streams, rivers and lakes. This is a great book to help one unlock the key to this world.

Great text for beginning Aquatic Entomlogy enthusiasts!
I have personally taken an upper level Aquatic Entomology course from Dr. McCafferty at Purdue University. McCafferty's text is very well done, and very easy to use. The 'flow-chart' style identification keys are perfect for the non formally-trained entomologist. The illustrations are by Arwin Provonsha (who is also at Purdue Universtity). Arwin is one of the best scientific illustrators I have seen. Definately top-notch work! Some taxa are a bit out of date, notably the Hydrophilidae, but that is hardly a problem. Hopefully a revision will be published in the near future to keep this wonderful text current.

Not designed for the Flyfisher.
Very little information is inserted that is of benefit to the flyfisher. Classifications are outdated and most of the text is complicated and useless. Some of the pictures (drawings) were great. It helped in identifying some of the basic insects.

A superb review of aquatic entomology in North America
McCafferty's authoritative work is directed at the nonspecialist, particularly anglers with a scientific bent and ecologists who are not entomologists. It is widely used as a basic text for aquatic entomology in universities, as well. It provides keys for insect families, detailed descriptions of orders, extensive information on life histories and habitats, and is sumptuously illustrated with line drawings, many in color, by A. V. Provonsha. It is the most complete and accessible work on the aquatic entomology of North America north of Mexico. It belongs on the shelf of every serious angler-entomologist.

A few of the taxa have changed names since the publication of the book in 1981, but this shouldn't prove to be problem for the intended audience.

Lacking general information too Technical, good graphics.
I ordered from mail service and wish I hadn't. This book should be viewed first. Classification outdated. This book was too technical and incomplete. A very small portion was intended for fly fishers. The cost of this book would be better applied to many more up to date books designed for fly fishers interested in identification. ... Read more

Book Description

This book offers an in-depth treatment of insect biology and classification, covering all insect orders and providing keys to over four hundred families of insects. This second edition is enhanced by new chapters on population biology, insects and microbes, and methods for developing an insect collection. It is illustrated with numerous line drawings and photographs, including color plates. ... Read more

Book Description

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 ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Beware the description of this book
This is a supplement to my earlier review. Note that the description of American Insects, by Arnett,... is based on the first edition, in which "Every order, family, and genus is conveniently numbered and indexed" and you could "quickly determine the taxonomic position of any species, genus, or higher taxon of insect known to occur in America and Canada." This is not the case in the second edition. You can look up major genera only.

Subfamilies are listed under an entry for the family, not under the subfamily name, which means you _can't_ quickly determine their taxonomic positions. You have to know the taxonomic position in order to look up the subfamilies. This defeats one major purpose of the book, and renders it not very usable.

Whoever provided the text for the book description apparently just carried it over from the previous edition, without taking into account the changes in the new edition. This isn't by a long stretch the same book.

Once excellent book devalued
As a naturalist and amateur entomologist, I found the first edition of this book especially useful for looking up unfamiliar genera and species of insects, to find out where they fit in the scheme of insect taxonomy.

Unfortunately, CRC Press, the publisher of the second edition, has cut corners by reducing the size of the index from 128 pages for 714 pages of text in the first edition to 57 pages for 931 pages of text in the second edition. This was accomplished by eliminating all but the major genera from the index. In my opinion, this seriously diminishes the value of the book. The best information in the world is useless if you can't access it efficiently. A book like this lives or dies by the quality of its index.

After purchasing the book in early January, 2001 and quickly discovering the problem, I wrote to the publisher to complain and to ask that they make available a complete index as a supplement. I have yet to receive a response from them. The book's author, Ross Arnett, was upset when the publisher of the first edition inadvertently left out the photo captions in proof and wouldn't restore them. I have to think he is spinning in his grave over the gutting of the index in the second edition, a much more serious affair.

I'd love to be able to recommend the second edition of this book. However, unless the publisher remedies the index problem, I can't. Unless you want it primarily for the keys, I suggest looking for a used copy of the first edition. ... Read more

Book Description

A new edition of the classic handbook that has become a standard in the Drosophila field. The book is expanded to include topics in which classical genetic strategies have been augmented with new molecular tools. Included are such new techniques as homologous recombination, RNAi, new mapping techniques, and new mosaic marking techniques. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Bible of the Fly Pusher!!!!!
A really must-have!!!
The basics, the tips,
all for manipulating drosophila at the beginning and even later.
Here you'll find a lot of informations about balancers, recombinations, how to do crosses, markers, etc...
A very good introduction to the drosophila world!

A "must" for all fly pushers
The contents in this book are well upto the point. This book saved my skin when i first joned a fly lab. It taught me all the basics i need to know to work on Drosophila. It is been 2 years since i first read it but even today for every little doubt i have on flies, I first go back to this book to see if I got my concepts right. It is an excellent book for all fly geneticists, be it amateurs or professionals for all aspects on fly pushing. Actually i give this book 6 stars out of 5. ... Read more

Book Description

Using an exceptionally clear writing style, minimal scientific jargon, and vivid photos and drawings, this book provides a comprehensive view of the rich diversity and complexity of insects and their influence upon the ecosystem.The Arthropod Plan. The Insect Externally. The Insect Internally. Development and Specialization. Ecology. Behavior. From Solitary to Social. Parasitism by Insects. Predation by Insects. Insects, Plants, Livestock, Domestic Animals, and Humans. Insect Pest Management. Household Insects. Classification. Making an Insect Collection.For anyone interested in insects. ... Read more

Book Description

Insects and other arthropods found at a death scene can provide corroborating evidence regarding both the time and place of death as well as possible antimortem and postmortem treatment of the victim. Nevertheless, most forensic investigators are not specially trained in entomology, and until now, no entomology reference has fully explored these subjects. Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations usurps this void, instructing even individuals without a background in entomology on what to search for when recovering entomological evidence at a crime scene. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Missing a "key" point...
While this book does address a variety of necessary topics and its overall praise is well-deserved there is a gap, which means there is still a need for a textbook in forensic entomology.

For a book of this nature one would expect to be able to identify insects of forensic importance. The numerous color photos are nice to look at, but in most cases do not allow species determination at the adult level (don't even bother asking about immature idenitification!). Short species accounts are given, but much more valuable would have been the inclusion of keys (as in K. Smith's treatment of the European forensic fauna). Unfortunately this means that you have to buy another text in order to identify any specimens that you collect. You will likely have to go the Manual of Nearctic Diptera in order to identify genera of Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Phorids...

In summary, even if you buy this book you'll still need to consult a forensic entomologist and as such, I'd recommend dropping the words "Forensic Entomology" from the title. This book is written for those who do not have formal training in entomology or even a science background (i.e. arthropod, botantist, and invertebrate are all defined in the glossary).

For the authors I would highly recommend adding keys in order to increase the value of this work. Please, for the entomologists' sake place them in an appendix, but do include them. Another suggestion would be to expand the taxa covered in Table 9.1 (insect development times) and move it to the appendix. Thanks!

An Excellent Overview of Forensic Entomology
This work is extraordinarily useful to any death investigation professional. It provides an extensive overview of all aspects of forensic entomology with chapter contributions from the leading forensic entomologists in the United States and Canada. It is expertly written so that the investigator with no formal entomological training can easily understand the context of the book, while still on a level that other formally trained entomologists will find very useful. It is richly illustrated with over 150 color photos of insects of forensic importance. This allows investigators to immediately recognize forensic insects at the scene so that collection can be assured. This book is certain to become an invaluable reference for anyone in the field of forensic entomology, or those involved in the collection of entomological evidence from a death scene. It is a perfect complement to the other works published on the subject by K.G.V. Smith and E.P. Catts. ... Read more

Book Description

Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile have revised and expanded their clear and comprehensive guide to cover changes in beekeeping. They discuss the crisis created by the parasitic bee mites. In less than a decade, for example, Varroa mites have saturated the North American honeybee population with disastrous results, devastating both managed and wild populations. The new edition of The Beekeeper's Handbook covers mite detection and control as well as the selection and testing of bees that may have some tolerance to mites.

Serves as a comprehensive well-illustrated introduction for beginners and a valuable reference for the experienced beekeeper.

Outlines options for each operation within beekeeping, listing advantages and disadvantages of each alternative.

Provides easy-to-follow directions and diagrams.

Includes glossary and updated bibliography suggesting more detailed information on the topics discussed. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Best Beekeeping book I've seen!
I have most of the "standard" beekeeping books in my library, but this book is the best! The most logical and complete book I have seen yet, and very well illustrated. Logically written and yet interesting just to sit down and read. But it also does a great job of covering details of beekeeping and answering both basic and more complex questions of the hobby. Highly recommended!

A wonderful informative book for any level of beekeeper
I found the authors style to be easy to read, the technical terms were explained in detail and multiple approaches to various beekeeping situations discussed. The discussion on bee biology was interesing and the step by step instructions were easy to follow and well written. The section on colony disease management is excellent. Of the two dozen or so books I ahve on beekeeping - this is the one I would most reccomend for the technical information

Excellent Beginner's Book
As a beginning beekeeper, I found this book to very well written and an excellent jumping off point. The way almost all steps and facets of beekeeping are given advantages vs. disadvantages in this book was also extremely helpful and thought provoking.

Beginner's textbook used by our club
"The Beekeeper's Handbook" is the textbook used by the Montgomery County Beekeepers Association for its beginners short course. The book has up-to-date information on mites, which was a big reason for selecting it. We also like the the way the book discusses several alterative approaches to most beekeeping situations. The book is well illustrated with drawings(no photographs). The physical construction of the book is good enough to take some abuse in the field.

Get "The Beekeeper's Handbook" if you are a beginning to intermediate level beekeeper.

W.G. Miller Montgomery County (MD) Beekeepers Association EAS Master Beekeeper ... Read more

Book Description

Arnett and Thomas offer the most sweeping text availableon the subject of North American beetles. Each section is presented in the same concise format, and the organization of the information is bt family. The editors have chosen the most respected of specialists to contribute the entries. ... Read more

Book Description

IMAGINE A WORLD WHERE parasites control the minds of their hosts, sending them to their destruction.

IMAGINE A WORLD WHERE parasites are masters of chemical warfare and camouflage, able to cloak themselves with their hosts' own molecules.

IMAGINE A WORLD WHERE parasites steer the course of evolution, where the majority of species are parasites.

WELCOME TO EARTH.

For centuries, parasites have lived in nightmares, horror stories, and in the darkest shadows of science. Yet these creatures are among the world's most successful and sophisticated organisms. In Parasite Rex, Carl Zimmer deftly balances the scientific and the disgusting as he takes readers on a fantastic voyage. Traveling from the steamy jungles of Costa Rica to the fetid parasite haven of southern Sudan, Zimmer graphically brings to life how parasites can change DNA, rewire the brain, make men more distrustful and women more outgoing, and turn hosts into the living dead.

This thorough, gracefully written book brings parasites out into the open and uncovers what they can teach us about the most fundamental survival tactics in the universe. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

nothing less than classic!!!!
Gripping,fascinating,mind-boggling,frightening and the adjectives can go on till infinity.One thing's for sure,this is probably the best book i've ever read in any category.Parasite Rex has made me stop and seriously consider my role and relative importance on this planet.Parasites are definitely creatures of intelligence and savvy even by some humans'standards.The way Mr.Zimmer expounds such a subject with such ease is a major credit to his communication skills.His analogies are so on point that you can easily see yourself inside an organism and watching the action unfold like a ringside seat at a big match.If all writers could simplify very technical material like Zimmer has,who knows some of us lay people could become scholars without having to go to college.For those who scoff at the thought that creatures so tiny can determinedly invade,alter,control and manipulate from organisms to entire eco-systems i dare you to pick up a copy of'PR'and be prepared to reshape your whole outlook on life.I give'Parasite Rex'five stars only because i can't give it more.Thank you so much Mr.Zimmer!!!!

This book will alter how you look at the world
This is one of those rare books that can totally alter how you look at the world. Read it and you begin seeing parasites in every skin blemish you have. See a cat catch a mouse and all you can do is think about all the parasites its about the ingest. You find youself wanting to visit the parasite museum in Maryland to see all the horrible creatures you've been reading about. You begin thinking that Zimmer's right and that parasites have driven the evolution of the world. You begin wodering if Stephen King has read it and if so what novel he's writing. You begin wondering if there's thousands of little cysts in your brain and that your life goal of going on safari in Africa may need revaluated. You imagine what its like to extract a guinea worm from your leg. You question whether or not you will ever eat crab again. You wonder whether the reason you've been so hungry of late is because there's a sixty foot long tapeworm inside your intestines. It's a stunning book and an important one. Zimmer found something obvious that's been overlooked in biology and if he's right will change the way we view life. Survival of the individual will be changed to survival of the creature living inside the indiviual. For example, there is a parasite that gets inside a snail, takes it over, forces it climb a blade of grass and wait for a grazing cow to wander by and eat it. The cow is where the parasite wants to end up. The snail is just a vessel to reach the cow. The young of the parasite end up in cow pies which the snail eats and the cycle begins again. The complex world of flukes and tapeworms, of enslaved crabs and suicidal snails, of sleeping sickness and malaria, is like a car wreck: you want to turn away but you can't, you're compelled to look fearful of what you might see. As you explore the book you learn that these creatures are much more than revolting. I can't say you'll ever view them with sympathy, you can view them with respect -- and hopefully at a safe distance.

Zimmer's book is fascinating
Flukes that can cleverly induce their snail and piscine hosts right into a hungry bird's beak; wasps that lay their eggs inside caterpillars and spiders, forcing these unfortunate hosts to nurture the wasp larvae after they hatch; and yes, tiny parasites that can manipulate and outwit human immune and nervous systems -- all to continue the parasite's life cycle ... at our expense.
Zimmer intensified my interest in parasitology when I read his Discover magazine article "Do Parasites Rule the World?" This led me to his "Parasite Rex" which more comprehensively explores the dominating role that parasites play in global ecosystems.
Organisms that biologists had long regarded as nothing more than a freeloading nuisance have since been found to control not only their hosts' behavior but to shape the evolution of organisms as complex as human beings. Zimmer provides a generous supply of well-researched examples and anecdotes on the various types of parasites and their behavior as well as the different and ingenious ways parasites can overcome their hosts' defenses.
And once this reality threshold has been established, Zimmer examines others' treatment of parasites in the works of science fiction, some eerily lifelike, others laughable, but each in its own right fascinatingly familiar for those courageous enough to have taken interest in the biology of these highly underrated, often-scorned creatures.

Informative, Clear, insightful- biological paradigm shift...
... but written for the average joe or josephine!!!

This isn't just a book about parasites- it's an introduction to a new way of perceiving the world around us, re-evaluating our place in a biological, ecological and evolutionary context... Zimmer writes with clarity and interest about the wonders of parasitic organisms- how they are a driving force in evolution, how they penetrate and manipulate their hosts, how they are not (as was thought previously) the dregs of the evolutionary process- if anything they are the engines of life. He also discusses how hosts can change against their parasites... And how parasites can change over time- for example, the mitochondria that power our cells are very similar to one of the more lethal diseases known to man, in fact, both probably evolved from the same ancestor!!!!!!!!

Furthermore- mammalian fetuses could be classified, possibly as parasitic organisms- they rewire the mother's blood-sugar levels and secrete chemicals that leach away the various chemicals that the fetus demands to grow... the mother tries to combat this process as an unchecked fetus could drain her and take away her capacity to make more children. But the fetus has inherited a number of enzymes from the father that attempt to latch on and break the mother's control over her own body. These and myriad other insights into biology are woven together wonderfully. I couldn't put this book down!

Zimmer travels the globe and his anecdotes concerning the various parasitologists are almost as much fun to read as the protracted discussions of the parasites. It is a budding field in biology and full of colorful characters. He also writes about parasites in films and pop culture, such as the Alien series... I couldn't imagine anyone else making a species like 'Sacculinae' (I know I miss-spelled that) come alive (they infest crabs, basically turning the crabs into castrated barnacle spawners). Zimmer does.

At times it's a horrifying read: Nature doesn't love you, but she sure coddles toxoplasma and legions of other parasitic species, whose ranks are spread across every animal kingdom. Guinea worms, Sleeping sickness, Fleischmania (eats away the flesh of your face), the Candiru, the botfly- if you have a penchant for the macabre and disgusting you will not be let down. But this book isn't just to disgust and delight readers... It's illuminating and clear- approachable in a way that very few scientific-works-for-laypeople are. I can't wait to get my hands on other books by Mr. Zimmer. If Parasite Rex is any indication...

5 enthusiastic stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Extraordinary
When I saw this book on the shelves I thought I was prepared for it. I thought it would present the world of parasites with interesting descriptions, some scientific information and a touch of gruesome or creepy, and that that would be it.
How wrong I was.
This book gives much, much more than that.
In fact, this book can be read at different levels.
At the first level, one will find the descriptions I mentioned and will be entertained by reading of the unusual animals, their parasitic infestations, or the information about parasites that we (almost all of us) carry in our bodies.
But there is a deeper reading level: the book will destroy your vision of biology and ecology to build a new one. It will have you looking at the world, the environment, your own body under a new light. You will start to re-consider your concept of superior organism and intelligence. You will have doubts about who is actually superior to who in ecology. You will have to think of the human race as something less efficient and superior as you are used to think.
The book is easy to read, even for those who do not have good biology basis, yet it is not boring for more scientifically advanced readers.
I strongly recommend this book to readers of any ages. It is instructive, entertaining, stimulating. A masterpiece. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Bees of the World¿a must-have book
Anybody with a serious interest in bees -- and by that I don't mean just honey bees and beekeeping, but the thousands of other species that provide the fundamental service of pollination in both natural and agricultural ecosystems -- must seriously consider getting this book. It will be an invaluable resource for both those studying insects and those studying plants, for plant conservation is intimately wrapped up with the survival of their pollinators.

This is a magnum opus in both senses of the word. It is a big book, with over 900 pages, containing a wealth of information on bees. It is also a product of over half a century's research and learning by the world's foremost authority on bees, Charles Michener. His efforts, and those of the subsequent generations of researchers spawned from his lab at the University of Kansas, have been the foundation of our current state of bee knowledge.

At first glance, the book might appear intimidating: a heavy tome printed in a small font size, with black-and-white diagrams. The only respite seems to be a series of gorgeous color plates featuring the amazing photos of Edward S. Ross and Paul Westrich. A few minutes with it will quickly show you that it is a rich source of accurate information, and despite its technical content, well written and readable.

Broken into a series of sections, it provides complete coverage of bees and their biology. The first is a general discussion of bee biology (nesting, floral relationships, parasites, sociality, etc.); the second, explains the structure of bees and their origins; the third, bee taxonomy; and the fourth, (the bulk of the book) contains keys to identify bees and chapters on each family or subfamily with notes on each genera (distribution, floral preference, if any, etc.). This is accompanied by an extensive bibliography and reference list. This book will not only help you understand the ecological requirements of bees but also enable you to identify them to sub-genus level.

The price might deter you; it certainly gave me pause for thought. Having finally taken the plunge and purchased a copy I have no qualms at all about the expense. This is an astonishing work of scholarship. To have so much information gathered into one volume is invaluable. This is likely to remain the standard work of reference for many years.

Matthew Shepherd
Pollinator Program Director, The Xerces Society

Bees of the World--A definative work
If you work on bees, you will need to get a copy of Mich's Bees of the World. There is no way around it.

Some 16,000 bee species are placed to genus, and the indentification guides (keys and illustrations) are the best yet.

[...] ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent reference book
I recommend this book to anybody studying mosquito biology. Excellent!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

ALL NEEDS of a PLANT PROTECTION&ENTOMOLOGIY is AVAILABLE
I would be most appreciate to informe that "ENTOMOLOGY AND PEST MANAGEMENT" has been used as a comrehensive text for three courses in dep. of plant protection,fac. of agriculture,Zabol university,Iran by me,Ph.D OF entomology and faculty member of Zabol University&Gorgan University of Agriculture.Third edition of this book has translated to Persian(in press) and Unfortunatly this new edition of book not available in Iran and many difficulties are in Iran for book buying.I am waiting and expecting to recieve preforma or other information to having this book impatiencly&eagerly. with best regard Javad Karimi(Dep. of Plant Protection;Fac. of Agriculture,Tehran University,Karaj,Iran)

Good Introduction to Entomology
Dr. Pedigo's book is one of the better general entomology/ pest management textbooks that I have read. It is written in an understandable format and provides a good introduction to the structure, function, taxonomy, and applied ecology of insects. This volume is most appropriate for the undergraduate student interested in entomology although it would also be a handy addition to a graduate student's library as well. As with many introductory entomology textbooks, the taxonomic keys are very limited. I would recommend Borror, Triplehorn, and Johnson's: An introduction to the study of insects to anyone who desires a book with a good set of taxonomic keys. ... Read more