Customer Reviews (2)

Outstanding!
This is a great introduction and guide to the understanding of insects. As the title says, it is an atlas, not an encyclopedia; it provides a beautifully illustrated (photographically) basis to understanding the fundamental aspects of insect taxonomy.It is a 'what and why' guide to types and classifications.And, while not intended to be a complete identification guide, it really is pretty good at that also. I highly recommend the book to anyone wanting to _learn_ about insects.

a MUST for people just starting
A picture is truly worth a thousand words. This is perfect for students to use as a study guide or for others who find, like I did, that they need to learn how to identify insects (for a job, gardening pest control or other reason).

After chapters on insect life cycles, coverage of each type of body part, and distinguishing insects from creatures of other Classes (each section full of photographs for comparison), Castner then covers each Order of insect -- with short descriptions of Families and magnified photos of examples from each family. Of the chapters devoted to a specific Order, you find a key to the families of each Order. Should you need to identify by species, you will have to then refer to a field guide; however Castner's book speeds up the process tremendously.

Unlike most books that give confusing written descriptions of different types of body parts, this one shows pictures (though it is missing clear photos showing the difference between Hemiptera and Homoptera mouthparts, which would be my one complaint, but may end up in later editions).Although it is not meant to REPLACE field guides, esp. in the area of Genus and species identification, it does clear up many things that you'll need to know in order to understand the written ID descriptions in field guides.

Although there seems to be some variation in the field on Orders, I hope professors will seriously consider recommending this book as a study guide/supplement -- just pointing out any differences expected on the test.

I wish I had more space to say more good things about this spiral-bound guide and its beautiful & helpful pictures. I will say that if I had had it for my Forest Entomology class several years ago, my grade of "C" would have been an "A". ... Read more

Book Description
This invaluable text provides a concise introduction to entomology in a forensic context and is also a practical guide to collecting entomological samples at the crime scene.

Forensic Entomology: An Introduction:

• Assumes no prior knowledge of either entomology or biology
• Provides background information about the procedures carried out by the professional forensic entomologist in order to determine key information about post-mortem interval presented by insect evidence
• Includes practical tasks and further reading to enhance understanding of the subject and to enable the reader to gain key laboratory skills and a clear understanding of insect life cycles, the identification features of insects, and aspects of their ecology
• Glossary, photographs, the style of presentation and numerous illustrations have been designed to assist in the identification of insects associated with the corpse; keys are included to help students make this identification

This book is an essential resource for undergraduate Forensic Science and Criminology students and those on conversion postgraduate M.Sc. courses in Forensic Science. It is also useful for Scenes of Crime Officers undertaking diploma studies and Scene Investigating Officers. ... 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

Customer Reviews (2)

defense mechanisms in insects
Elzinga, Richard: Fundamentals of Entomology. Fifth edition. Upper saddle river, NewJersy. Prentice Hall 2000.

The above text book is a 495 page book, ISBN number0-13-011493-6.

The book provides a clear introduction to the world of insects. It talks about insect complexity and diversity and their influence on human and the ecosystem in general. There are several interesting concepts in the book but of interest to me was the defense mechanism in different insects. Insects like all organisms are eaten by predators. For protection, they have evolved morphological structures which permit them to bite, flee or sting the attacker. Other behaviors do exist to increase survival. For instance, insects like walking sticks have weakened areas at the trachnter that break under extreme stress. Such an act might occur when the insect is grabbed by a predator. Reflexes within the removed appendages cause the leg to twitch, which diverts attention from the escaping insect. Specialized membranes prevent bleeding and regeneration of the leg may be possible should future molts occur. Another interesting example is the defense mechanism in lady bird beetles and blister beetles. When threatened, some insects are capable of squeezing drops of hemolymph from specialized skeletal weak pints. The hemolymph contains toxic substances such as malachiines and cantharides or repellents. Other insects have the ability to feign death. Many beetles with hard exoskeletons feign death when disturbed and remain motionless for a few seconds or several hours. This lack of movement protects these individuals because many predators require movement of prey as an attack stimulus. Eventually the reflex subsides and then insect returns to normal. Some insects use chemical defense (allomones), a strategy common to insects with extended longevity hence longer exposure to predators and parasites. Although some of these substances are directed to specific predators, most are effective upon a broad spectrum of enemies. They are commonly released from exogenous glands in insects, however, some are present in the hemolymph and are leaked out between sclerites with increased blood pressure. Anal glands in many beetles secrete volatile fluids some of which are ejected with explosive force for distance up to 1 m. Predators react to such fluids as either repellents or irritants, although few are killed. Other insects like moths use sonic behavior to escape predation. Concealing coloration is a common mechanism. Insects blend with their background hence difficult to see. This is called concealing or cryptic coloration. Some like walking sticks resemble twigs while others like treehoppers resemble thorns. This is a successful mechanism unless the insect moves then the predator detects it.

The book fully fulfilled my expectations. Reading the introduction was fun and this is what actually triggered me to read the entire book. The book can suit both young people and the old. The reason is that it talks about things in nature and things we can relate to. We all wonder how those insects in the wild are able to keep safe and this book provided the answer to all my questions. I'm sure it will answer many peoples question as well, therefore, I would most definitely recommend it to a friend.

Top

Defense mechanisms in insects
Elzinga, Richard: Fundamentals of Entomology. Fifth edition. Upper saddle river, NewJersy. Prentice Hall 2000.

The above text book is a 495 page book, ISBN number0-13-011493-6.

The book provides a clear introduction to the world of insects. It talks about insect complexity and diversity and their influence on human and the ecosystem in general. There are several interesting concepts in the book but of interest to me was the defense mechanism in different insects. Insects like all organisms are eaten by predators. For protection, they have evolved morphological structures which permit them to bite, flee or sting the attacker. Other behaviors do exist to increase survival. For instance, insects like walking sticks have weakened areas at the trachnter that break under extreme stress. Such an act might occur when the insect is grabbed by a predator. Reflexes within the removed appendages cause the leg to twitch, which diverts attention from the escaping insect. Specialized membranes prevent bleeding and regeneration of the leg may be possible should future molts occur. Another interesting example is the defense mechanism in lady bird beetles and blister beetles. When threatened, some insects are capable of squeezing drops of hemolymph from specialized skeletal weak pints. The hemolymph contains toxic substances such as malachiines and cantharides or repellents. Other insects have the ability to feign death. Many beetles with hard exoskeletons feign death when disturbed and remain motionless for a few seconds or several hours. This lack of movement protects these individuals because many predators require movement of prey as an attack stimulus. Eventually the reflex subsides and then insect returns to normal. Some insects use chemical defense (allomones), a strategy common to insects with extended longevity hence longer exposure to predators and parasites. Although some of these substances are directed to specific predators, most are effective upon a broad spectrum of enemies. They are commonly released from exogenous glands in insects, however, some are present in the hemolymph and are leaked out between sclerites with increased blood pressure. Anal glands in many beetles secrete volatile fluids some of which are ejected with explosive force for distance up to 1 m. Predators react to such fluids as either repellents or irritants, although few are killed. Other insects like moths use sonic behavior to escape predation. Concealing coloration is a common mechanism. Insects blend with their background hence difficult to see. This is called concealing or cryptic coloration. Some like walking sticks resemble twigs while others like treehoppers resemble thorns. This is a successful mechanism unless the insect moves then the predator detects it.

The book fully fulfilled my expectations. Reading the introduction was fun and this is what actually triggered me to read the entire book. The book can suit both young people and the old. The reason is that it talks about things in nature and things we can relate to. We all wonder how those insects in the wild are able to keep safe and this book provided the answer to all my questions. I'm sure it will answer many peoples question as well, therefore, I would most definitely recommend it to a friend.

Top

... Read more

Book Description
Medical and Veterinary Entomology is a comprehensive text and is primarily intended for graduate students and upper level undergraduates studying the medical and veterinary significance of insects and related arthropods. The book will also appeal to a larger audience, specialists and non-specialists alike, including entomologists, parasitologists, biologists, epidemiologists, physicians, public health personnel, veterinarians, wildlife specialists and others looking for a readable, authoritative book on this topic. The first two chapters provide overviews of medical-veterinary entomology and epidemiology, respectively. These are followed by individual chapters devoted to each group of insects or arachnids of medical-veterinary importance and the health problems they can cause including their role as vectors of pathogens. Each of these chapters provides an overview of the taxonomy, biology and ecology of the group, and is followed by separate sections on their medical and veterinary importance, then by a section on prevention and control and, finally, by a list of references and further reading.

Key Features
* Nationally and internationally renowned contributing authors
* Up to date and new information that is easy to locate, with extensive subheadings and highlighted key words throughout text
* Includes extensive coverage of arachnids, including scorpions, solpugids, spiders, mites and ticks
* Designed for teaching several courses including Medical Entomology, Veterinary Entomology or combined Medical-Veterinary Entomology courses ... Read more

Product Description
Aquatic Biology and Natural Historyare subjects of interests to many, whether they be related to one's vocational education, one's avocation, or purely to one's appreciation for the living order of the world. This book has been written not only for entomologists, ecologists, and students of aquatic entomology, but also for sport fishermen, naturalists, and environmental assessment specialists. For those who may not have some vested interested in nature and ecology, this book will provide a pictorial introduction to some of the most fascinating life forms on earth and, hopefully, "wet" the appetite for understanding the aquatic insects, their environment, and their relationship to human life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Excellent insects!
I am very pleased with this text, as an up and coming fisheries biologist, I hope to use it in my future.

book review
This book is very detailed and gives accurate descriptions of all aquatic insects.The pictures with in each chapter also depict what the specimen look like.With all the information on the aquatic insects that is provide by this book it would be hard to believe that there is a better book out there.

Buy it for the pictures
This book is amazingly beautiful.The illustrations alone make it worth the money.As an aquatic entomologist who teaches an aquatic entomology lab to college students, I find this book to be an invaluable source of high quality images for use in my classes.The pictorial keys are also very helpful - they are very easy to follow and make it almost a simplistic task for a lay person to identify aquatic insects down to the family level.Some of these keys are a little outdated since publication of the book, but they are still helpful for the most part.

My only complaint with this book is that it doesn't go into as much scientific detail as is necessary for a serious student of entomology.Still, this isn't meant to be a textbook or an identification manual for complex identifications lower than the family level.If the book is used as intended by fishermen and ecologists, this is a very helpful book.

And did I mention the ilustrations are amazing?

Aquatic Entomology
This is a must have for fly fishermen looking to study entomology as it applies to fishing and fly tying.I saw this book at my local Orvis store (reference only) and one look told me I needed it in my library.The plates and drawings are fantastic.This is a detailed study, but not over the head of most fly fishermen.Match it with Gary Lafontaine's "Caddisflies", Shane Stalcup's "Mayflies - Top to Bottom" and/or Dave Hugh's "Matching Mayflies" and you have the start of a good entomology library for fly fishermen.
Aquatic Entomology even has sections marked by a small image of a tied fly, which are of special interest to the fisherman.Get this book!!

An oldie, but goodie...
The book is now quite old. There have been several regroupings at the family level since this book has been published so even if you use it correctly, you can incorrectly identify insects. Also, if you are serious about identifying aquatic insects, the family-level keys of this book are insufficient to give your work credibility. Those are the two problems with this book... 1- it is a little out of date AND 2- it is a limited tool for identifying organisms.

All that aside, it is a very good book to teach the CONCEPTS of taxonomy to students. The keys have nice flow charts that teach students to make the kinds of decisions that they need identify insects.

Does it have legs? Or not?
Does it have wings? Or not?
Does it have one claw? Or two?

The keys use pictures so that the process does not become bogged down in terminology. Thus I highly recommend it to teachers and to parents that are helping there child build their own entomology collection. I keep a copy for work shops.

The color plates in the back are beautiful and help convey the appearance of specimens in life. Most of the book has nice grey-scale illustrations.

The Author is a mayfly specialist... one of THE mayfly specialists in the world...

If you are interested in this book there are other titles you may find interesting. Try Reese Voshell's book if you are interested in teaching insects to older kids, or for watershed monitoring groups. [2002: A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America]; it also contains lots of interesting ecologic information.

If you are interested general taxonomy of aquatic insects, try Merritt and Cummins 1996 [An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America]. It provides the best keys to genus-level for most insects. But be aware that a new edition should be out in 2 years or so... this book is not real friendly if you have not had a college-level entomology... but i heard a rumor that that there will be a nice glossary in the new edition that should make it more accessible...

of course not all aquatic invertebrates are insects... if you are interested in these critters (amphipods, snails, etc) try Thrope and Covich 2002 [Ecology and Classification of Freshwater Invertebrates]

Note that, for genus-level-taxonomy, the last two books will require access to a medium to High-quality dissecting microscope and may require a compound microscope. The Books by McCafferty and by Voshell do not require as much magnification...

If you would like further information you can email me and I will be glad to help. brett@thebugguy.org
... Read more

Book Description
TO ACCESS THE ARTWORK FROM THE BOOK, PLEASE VISIT www.blackwellpublishing.com/gullan.

This established and popular textbook is the definitive guide to the study of insects; a group of animals that represent over half of the planet’s biological diversity.

Customer Reviews (1)

Bugs are Awesome
This is a great book for learning just about anything you could ever want to know about insects.It discusses insect sociality, body systems, reproduction, interaction with plants, evolution, environmental tolerance, pest control, and other topics.I learned so much from this book.It was amazing to me to learn just how intricate insects really are.This understanding really strengthened my faith in God and the creation. ... Read more

Book Description

Ideal for those with little or no background in entomology–this book combines, in a single volume–general principles of entomology and modern principles of insect pest management–including factual details and specific examples. Features up-to-date coverage on environmentally sound insecticides; the Transgenic plant controversy; Pest management systems; Newly released and recently discontinued products and updated insecticides; Current government regulations and labeling of microbial pesticides, plant pesticides and biochemical pesticides; and Developments in genetic engineering and plant bio technology. For those with little or no background in entomology who want a single combined resource of both general entomology and applied aspects.

Customer 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 acomrehensive 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 forbook 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

Book Description
Insect-related evidence is one of the most powerful, least understood examples of modern forensic science. Entomology and the Law is a detailed roadmap from crime scene to courtroom--for entomologists, law enforcement personnel and lawyers preparing for trial. Part I focuses on carrion flies as forensic indicators, exploring relevant biology clearly and concisely illustrated by real-life cases. Part II is a thorough examination of the law of scientific evidence worldwide, complete with caselaw, applicable code provisions, and legal issues relevant to the admissibility and use of forensic entomology in litigation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Forensic Entomology made understandable!
This is a superb work of immense scope and brilliance.The authors leave no aspect of forensic entomology a mystery.Splendid for experts, both scientists and lawyers alike.

This is what CSI is really about!
Bugs are excellent crime solvers.This terrific book explains how and why, in a way everyone can understand.Great for everyone from experts to novices.

CSI made easy!!!!
This book makes it easy for even a layperson to understand the forensic entomology evidence so often featured on the C.S.I. television series!Kunich and Greenberg take insect-related evidence and make it come alive.What an amazing book!

Comprehensive?Hardlyý
Entomology and the Law by Greenberg and Kunich was promoted to be "the first comprehensive book on forensic entomology."This book certainly does not live up to that description, though it is a decent book in its own rights.At [the price], the book seems a little thin and incomplete.

The first section of the book, written by Dr. Greenberg, deals with the history, biology, identification, and use of forensically important flies.Dr. Greenberg's knowledge of flies is indeed extensive, and he has included keys to species of adults and larvae (pupae are ignored) of carrion flies from many parts of the world.Note that only flies are covered in this book, and all of the other forensically important insects are ignored.Also there is no mention of insect succession on the corpse outside of the preface to the first section of the book.This aspect alone limits the application of this book to the early postmortem interval.

The second section of the book, written by John Kunich, focuses on the legal applications of forensic entomology.This section deals with the laws behind scientific evidence, the admissibility of insect evidence, and how to optimize the use of such evidence.Placing the legal aspects into the prospective of forensic entomology made this section useful to the scientist who is interested in that aspect of the criminal justice system alone.

This book is far from being comprehensive.Nowhere are the details of the collection of entomological evidence presented, successional patterns of insects are largely ignored, and the temperature information included in the book is incomplete.Though lawyers and entomologists with experience in the field of medicocriminal entomology will benefit from this book, the curious lay person or law enforcement official should save their money and purchase either Catts & Haskell or Byrd & Castner.

Entomology and the Law
This book has it all.If ever a book crossed the lines of genre from a working guide for a professional in his field to an interesting read for the inquisitive mind, this book is it.This book is for the professional who has anything to do with a murder scene or wrongful death situation.This book is for everyone who watches television because "Entomology and the Law"is the marriage of a great murder mystery crossed with an investigatory courtroom drama.This book is for every litigator who wants to effectively use the law of scientific evidence in the courtroom.This book is for the layman who wants to know more.You see, it's about bugs.Gross bugs.Flys actually, and the fact that flys can be accurately used to identify the time and location of death.Interesting?Yes.Easy read?No.Necessary read?DEFINITELY. ... 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

Customer 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

Gillotts thorough yet clear writing style continues to keep Entomology near the top of the class as a text for senior undergraduates, and for graduate students and professionals seeking an introduction to specific entomological topics. The authors long-held belief that an introductory entomology course should present a balanced treatment of the subject is reflected in the continued arrangement of the book in four sections: Evolution and Diversity, Anatomy and Physiology, Reproduction and Development, and Ecology. For the third edition, all chapters have been updated. This includes not only the addition of new information and concepts but also the reduction or exclusion of material no longer considered "mainstream", so as to keep the book at a reasonable size.

Customer Reviews (1)

Well-presented and a logical sequence of material
The book is published as a text for college undergraduates, and iscertainly adequate for its intended purpose.If one does not have ANYbackground in entomology, the material is, at times, just a bit deep, but,even so, is easy to follow.A glossary would be a useful addition to thebook, as the definition of some terms requires one to consult a (universal)dictionary or other textbook.The item most lacking is color plates foridentification; all drawings are in black and white.However, the text isnot intended to be an identification guide, but an in-depth discussion ofthe structure and function of insects and their appendages. Forhigh-school students, the material could become overwhelming.For collegestudents, the text should prove a satisfactory addition to a personal orinstitutional library. ... Read more

Book Description
This book is a comprehensive, fully cross-referenced collection of approximately 35,000 terms, names and phrases used in entomology. It is the only listing which covers insect anatomy, behavior, biology, ecology, histology, molecular biology, morphology, pest management, taxonomy and systematics. The origin, etymology, part of speech, plural forms and definition of each term and phrase are all provided, including the language, meaning or root of each term and constituent parts. Where meanings have changed, or terms have been borrowed from other disciplines, the most current usage is indicated. Names of deceased entomologists, or scientists from other fields who have contributed to entomology are included, with the citation for their biography or obituary. The list of names in this magnificent reference is global, including entomologists from Asia, whose research has often been neglected by Western scientists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great advanced text on insects
(Four and a half stars)
Although this is a fairly technical college text I recommend it to everyonewith more than a passing interest in entomology.
The author goes into great detail into the subject and yet with a little work anyone should be able to make it through this text.
Do not be intimidated by the jargon as one will eventaullybecome familair with it.The illustrations are very helpful.

Aquatic and juvenile insects are not neglected here as they are so often in other texts.

So many children have a passing interest in entomology. Speaking from personal experience as a child for a long timeafter memorizing one of the Zim guides from cover to cover I thought I knew all that needed to be known about insects. A parent aware of one's child's intellectual development should know when it is time to give theirkids more advanced books. There are certainlybooksthat bridge the gap between the Zim guides ad this boo k (The Peterson Field Guide to Insects for example)and although I certainly do not recommend this book for a child the ambitious young adult should be able to get a lot out of this book.

Recommended

Jim Connell "Hallstatt Prince"
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Book Description
An up-to-date order-by-order introduction and reference handbook for students of biological sciences in general and entomology in particular. Covers all the important groups on a worldwide basis.A concise guide to the insect orders and to what makes insects special and successful. The book is in three sections: * a straightforward introduction to insect biology; * a section on field work; and* an order-by-order catalogue of the insects giving essential facts and details of life-histories, highlighting what makes each order distinctTo make the material as accessible as possible, the information for each order is presented in a standard manner. Throughout, the book is written in a straighforward style with as little technical language as possible. Essential terms are fully explained in context with marginal notes.Includes a pictoral aid the identification of the orders and key references. Contains specially commissioned illustrations by RICHARD LEWINGTON. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is designed primarily as a textbook for graduate and postgraduate courses in Medical, Public Health and Veterinary Entomology. Its uniqueness is that its emphasis is on disease as opposed to arthropods. It includes general discussions of epidemiology, transmission, disease control, vector control and disease surveillance. In addition, it contains chapters oriented towards the many specific arthropod-borne diseases. Furthermore, the book discusses the many direct impacts that parasitic insects have on human and animal health. The arthropods themselves are dealt with in two introductory chapters.

Customer Reviews (1)

A readable textbook
One of the better text books I have seen- it does not put me to sleep, and is informative.
The book is organized by arbopathogen rather than vector. It does focus on the vectorial aspects of disease transmission and pathogen life cycle.The writing is not so clinical that non-physicians can't understand what is being discussed.All in all, this is a good book to add to a personal research library. ... Read more

Book Description
Since its first edition, this textbook has provided the reader with all the basic information on insects, mites and ticks that affect human health. Arthropod vectors of human diseases, such as malaria and typhus, are a continuing threat to human health. This work covers the identification and biology and ecology of these medically important arthropods and how they can be controlled. Medically important arthropods concern students of tropical medicine, parasitology and pest control. The volume is an essential reference for physicians, nurses and community health workers.Second Edition Pb (2000): 0-521-66659-7 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The almost-definitive first text for the short course in medical entomology
One of the best, most thorough short books out there on the subject -- easy to tote around, concise, yet readable and even enjoyable.As the previous reviewer mentioned, the stinging arthros are skipped out on, but if that's important to you, your best bet might be downloading the notes pages from the University of California's course pages website (I'd recommend, honestly, snagging all of their pages from their micro and parasitology departments -- these are GOOD notes and videos, priceless and yet price-less), and/or snagging a copy of the appropriate (and it will be longer) chapter on subject same from "Medical and Veterinary Entomology" (which is probably my 5-star GET THIS IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT text/reference and all-around reader on the subject.It's thorough, it's got good pictorial coverage, and it's incredibly readable -- but expensive (worth it, but what good is that if you can't afford it -- and you'll RARELY (read: probably NEVER) find a cheap used copy on here or anywhere).

As for this particular (short, handy, soft-cover and light) book:Note well that if you're taking an undergrad course in med(and maybe also vet) parasitology with entomology, this book is the most often used book in my experience.It can be well-supplemented (especially in the graphics section, which is admittedly poor, save for the very helpful line drawings and graphs) by John T. Sullivan's "Electronic Atlas of Parasitology" CD (currently in Version 2.02 (as far as I know), available from the author who is a professor at UC-San Francisco, via ebay, and possibly also via Amazon, for somewhere around $12-15).

All in all, I thoroughly recommend this book, ESPECIALLY for anybody reviewing for exams or finals, where it truly shines for its concision and well-thought-out format.If you've got labs (and especially if you have a lot of lab quizzes), this book will only get you so far in preparation for that portion of your education (for eg, while you might find descriptions of differentiating culex from aedes, the pictures themselves are pretty much necessary, take my word) -- do do the extra work and obtain something with good pictorial (color is preferable but not necessary) views... even if it is a book specifically on field entomology & identification, or in combination with that CD (more helpful with the parasitology portion, to be honest).

Concise and Thorough
This paperback volume is a bit pricey but worth it for the information contained. Line drawings accompany and compliment the text. This book is very much up-to-date. Two shortcomings kept it from a 5 star rating: thebees & wasps are not included, and the addition of some color plateswould have been most helpful. ... Read more

Book Description
Entomology as a branch of biological science has undergone rapid expansion and development in recent decades.Greater emphasis is now placed on topics such as modelling and biochemical techniques, with new approaches to the study of insect behavior and insecticide efficacy making inroads into traditional approaches.Aimed at advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in entomology and pest management, this book aims to integrate the new approaches and technologies with traditional and well-proven methods.It provides a critical analysis and evaluation of methods available, through reference to general principles, but emphasis is also placed on providing detailed descriptions of methods and their applications. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Two thumbs up
I bought the paperback version of this book at a meeting for 36 $US.It has two great merits: the balance of breadth and depth in coverage is right, and the price is right.Since the table of contents is posted onthis site, the reader can judge relevance for his or her self.In my viewthis book is a great aid getting started in a project in applied insectphysiological or population ecology.It also is very useful in making themost of your trips to a research library if the nearest one happens to be 2or 3 hours from you. ... Read more