Insect Biodiversity: Science and Society brings together leading scientific experts to assess the impact insects have on humankind and the earths 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.
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.
Preface.
Acknowledgements.
1. IntroductionPeter H. Adler and Robert G. Foottit.
2. The Importance of InsectsG.G.E. Scudder.
Part I. Insect Biodiversity: Regional Examples.
3. Insect Biodiversity in the Nearctic RegionAndrew B. T. Smith and Hugh V. Danks.
4. Amazonian Rainforests and Their Richness of Coleoptera, a Dominant Life Form in the Critical Zone of the NeotropicsTerry L. Erwin and Christy J. Geraci.
5. Insect Biodiversity in the Afrotropical RegionC.H. Scholtz and M.W. Mansell.
6. Biodiversity of Australasian InsectsPeter S. Cranston.
7. Insect Biodiversity in the Palearctic RegionAlexander S. Konstantinov, Boris A. Korotyaev and Mark G. Volkovitsh.
Part II. Insect Biodiversity: Taxon Examples.
8. Biodiversity of Aquatic InsectsJohn C. Morse.
9. Biodiversity of DipteraG.W. Courtney, T. Pape, J.H. Skevington and B.J. Sinclair.
10. Biodiversity of HeteropteraThomas J. Henry.
11. Biodiversity of ColeopteraP. Bouchard, V.V. Grebennikov, A.B.T. Smith and H. Douglas.
12. Biodiversity of HymenopteraJohn T. Huber.
13. Lepidoptera BiodiversityMichael G. Pogue.
Part III. Tools and Approaches.
14. The Science of Insect Taxonomy: Prospects and NeedsQuentin D. Wheeler.
15. Insect Species Concepts and PracticeMichael F. Claridge.
16. Molecular Dimensions of Insect TaxonomyFelix Sperling and Amanda Roe.
17. DNA Barcodes and Insect BiodiversityRobin M. Floyd, John J. Wilson, Paul D. N. Hebert.
18. Insect Biodiversity and InformaticsNorman F. Johnson.
19. Parasitoid Diversity and Insect Pest ManagementJohn Heraty.
20. Taxonomy of Crop Pests: The AphidsGary L. Miller and Robert G. Foottit.
21. Adventive Insects: A Global OverviewAlfred G. Wheeler, Jr. and E. Richard Hoebeke.
22. Biodiversity of Biting Flies: Implications for HumanityPeter H. Adler.
23. Reconciling Ethical and Scientific Issues for Insect ConservationMichael J. Samways.
24. Insect Biodiversity: Assessment and TaxonomyKe Chung Kim.
25. Insect Biodiversity Millions and MillionsMay Berenbaum.
Taxonomic Index.
Subject Index
