Jeyaraney Kathirithamby

Comprehensive account of Strepsiptera biology, including their taxonomy, morphology, fine structure, physiology, and behaviour, ranging from genes to phylogeny Beautifully illustrated in full color throughout, with original up-to-date material from the author’s research collection, Insect from Outer Space: The Biology of Strepsiptera is the first book to provide a comprehensive guide to the unique biology of an intriguing group of parasitoids that, until relatively recently, have remained something of a mystery in terms of both phenotype and genotype. The author explores the exciting biology and life history of these extraordinary insect parasitoids. In addition, the book provides a history of each family, and an account of the questions surrounding the evolution of Strepsiptera, explaining their position within the phylogeny of insects. Written by a leading international expert in the field, this book includes information on: Strepsiptera, which are among the least species-rich insect parasitoids, but they parasitise hosts from seven orders and 36 families of insects The two examples of polyphensim that Strepsiptera exhibit are: i) free-living planidia that moult to endoparasitic larvae; and ii) the neotenic females of derived families Adult males are free-living, while females are free-living in primitive families, and are endoparasitic and neotenic in derived families Metamorphosis is a crucial process in the evolution of the sexually dimorphic Strepsiptera, and the neotenic females in derived families undergo a metamorphic transformation in the cephalothoracic region Differences in Strepsiptera life cycles between the suborders Mengenillidia (a more ancestral lineage) and Stylopidia (a recent suborder) Insect from Outer Space: The Biology of Strepsiptera is an essential reference work for entomologists and biologists alike who seek to unravel the secrets of these extraordinary creatures. The text is also an excellent learning resource for graduate and undergraduate students because the unique biology of Strepsiptera answers a wide range of biological questions.

The Biology of Strepsiptera

Insect from Outer Space

Malcolm Davies

This authoritative study of Greek insects treats not only the obvious questions of their identity--in modern terms of species and genera--but also such topics as the etymologies (both formal and popular) of the various insect names, the folklore, religious and other signficant associations, and the differences in attitude shown toward them by the ancient and modern world. Patterned after two famous studies by D'Arcy Thompson--A Glossary of Greek Birds and A Glossary of Greek Fishes--this volume provides a meticulous survey of the topic, examining the ancient literature and the enormous secondary literature connected with it, as well as the most recent scientific findings. Like Thompson's glossaries, this work focuses primarily on evidence from literature and art, with later evidence brought in only when needed for a full understanding of the facts. Compiled by a classics scholar working with a zoologist, this glossary provides alphabetically-arranged entries on such common insects as the ant, the louse, the butterfly, the wasp, the bedbug, the cricket, and the praying mantis. The first comprehensive study on this subject, Greek Insects belongs on the bookshelf of every Greek scholar, and it will be of considerable interest to educated readers

Greek Insects

Sarah B. Pomeroy

In 1660, at the age of thirteen, Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717) began her study of butterfly metamorphosis—years before any other scientist published an accurate description of the process. Later, Merian and her daughter ventured thousands of miles from their home in the Netherlands into the rainforests of South America seeking new and amazing insects to observe and illustrate. Years after her death, Merian’s accurate and beautiful illustrations were used by scientists, including Carl Linnaeus, to classify species, and today her prints and paintings are prized by museums around the world. More than a dozen species of plants and animals are named after Merian. The first Merian biography written for ages 10 and up, this book will enchant budding scientists and artists alike. Readers will be inspired by Merian’s talent, curiosity, and grit and will be swept up in the story of her life, which was adventurous even by today’s standards. With its lively text, quotations from Merian’s own study book, and fascinating sidebars on history, art, and science, this volume is an ideal STEAM title for readers of all ages and interests.

Jeyaraney Kathirithamby

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