Australian Ladybird Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Australian Ladybird Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Author: Adam Slipinski

Publisher: CSIRO PUBLISHING

Published: 2013-06-06

Total Pages: 432

ISBN-13: 0643109927

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This book, by Australia's ladybird beetle specialist, Dr Adam Slipinski, illustrates Australia's diverse and fascinating ladybird beetle fauna — the commoner spotted species and the many others that are striped, glossy, and even very hairy. Most are predatory, but some are leaf feeders. This book reviews all 57 currently recognised genera of Australian Coccinellidae, recognising 260 valid described species, and including some genera and species newly described here. All genera are diagnosed, described and illustrated and a key to their identification is provided. Larvae of 30 species are described, illustrated and keyed. Sets of colour and black and white plates display these often beautifully colourful beetles, and their key features. The book is a must for all people interested in Australia's beetle fauna, in biocontrol and in natural resource management. This book was originally published in hardback by Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) in 2007 and is now available in a digital format.


Ladybird Beetles of the Australo-Pacific Region

Ladybird Beetles of the Australo-Pacific Region

Author: Jiahui Li

Publisher: CSIRO PUBLISHING

Published: 2020-03-02

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13: 1486303897

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True ladybirds, classified in the tribe Coccinellini, are easily recognisable by their relatively large and shiny bodies and contrasting colour patterns. They are one of the most widely studied groups of beetles, being of economic importance and used as model organisms in biological and ecological research. Ladybird Beetles of the Australo-Pacific Region covers 22 genera and 95 valid species, including 12 new species, of ladybird beetles from Australia, New Guinea and the Pacific area. For each species, descriptions, illustrations and keys will assist with the correct identification of ladybirds from this large but practically unknown fauna. This book is a valuable contribution to the taxonomy of the ladybirds and to the knowledge of the biodiversity of this unique biogeographic region. It will be of use to entomologists, biologists, ecologists, quarantine officers, natural history museum curators, and students.


Ecology and Behaviour of the Ladybird Beetles (Coccinellidae)

Ecology and Behaviour of the Ladybird Beetles (Coccinellidae)

Author: Ivo Hodek

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2012-04-19

Total Pages: 605

ISBN-13: 1118223225

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Ladybirds are probably the best known predators of aphids and coccids in the world, though this greatly underestimates the diversity of their biology. Maximising their impact on their prey is an important element in modern conservation biological control of indigenous natural enemies in contrast to the classical approach of releasing alien species. Ivo Hodek is one of the most internationally respected experts on coccinellids who has researched these insects for his entire career. He has now brought together 14 scientists of international standing to author 12 chapters, making this book the definitive treatment of coccinellid biology and ecology. This volume covers the rapid scientific developments of recent years in the understanding of coccinellid phylogeny, the semiochemicals influencing their behaviour and of molecular genetics. Recent insights in relation to intraguild predation and the assessment of the predatory impact of coccinellids are also covered. Other special features of the volume are the extensive references covering the literature from both East and West and a taxonomic glossary of the up-to-date nomenclature for species of coccinellids as well as of other organisms mentioned in the text. While aimed at researchers, university teachers and agricultural entomologists, the book is readable and appropriate for others who just have a liking for these interesting and attractive insects.


A Guide to the Beetles of Australia

A Guide to the Beetles of Australia

Author: George Hangay

Publisher: CSIRO PUBLISHING

Published: 2010-04-27

Total Pages: 249

ISBN-13: 0643101934

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A Guide to the Beetles of Australia provides a comprehensive introduction to the Coleoptera – a huge and diverse group of insects. Beetles make up 40 per cent of all insects known to science. The number of described beetle species in the world – around 350 000 – is more than six times the number of all vertebrate species. New beetle species are being discovered all the time. Of the 30 000 species that may occur in Australia, only 20 000 have been scientifically described. These include around 6500 weevils (Curculionidae), 2600 scarabs, dung beetles and chafers (Scarabaeidae); and 2250 leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae). A Guide to the Beetles of Australia highlights the enormous diversity of this unique insect Order. It emphasises the environmental role of beetles, their relationships with other plants and animals, and their importance to humans. Winner of the 2010 Whitley Medal.


A Guide to Native Bees of Australia

A Guide to Native Bees of Australia

Author: Terry Houston

Publisher: CSIRO PUBLISHING

Published: 2018-08-01

Total Pages: 346

ISBN-13: 1486304087

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Bees are often thought of as yellow and black striped insects that live in hives and produce honey. However, Australia’s abundant native bees are incredibly diverse in their appearance and habits. Some are yellow and black but others have blue stripes, are iridescent green or wasp-like. Some are social but most are solitary. Some do build nests with wax but others use silk or plant material, burrow in soil or use holes in wood and even gumnuts! A Guide to Native Bees of Australia provides a detailed introduction to the estimated 2000 species of Australian bees. Illustrated with stunning photographs, it describes the form and function of bees, their life-cycle stages, nest architecture, sociality and relationships with plants. It also contains systematic accounts of the five families and 58 genera of Australian bees. Photomicrographs of morphological characters and identification keys allow identification of bees to genus level. Natural history enthusiasts, professional and amateur entomologists and beekeepers will find this an essential guide.


Ecology and Evolution of Dung Beetles

Ecology and Evolution of Dung Beetles

Author: Leigh W. Simmons

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2011-05-06

Total Pages: 373

ISBN-13: 1444333151

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This book describes the evolutionary and ecological consequences of reproductive competition for scarabaeine dung beetles. As well as giving us insight into the private lives of these fascinating creatures, this book shows how dung beetles can be used as model systems for improving our general understanding of broad evolutionary and ecological processes, and how they generate biological diversity. Over the last few decades we have begun to see further than ever before, with our research efforts yielding new information at all levels of analysis, from whole organism biology to genomics. This book brings together leading researchers who contribute chapters that integrate our current knowledge of phylogenetics and evolution, developmental biology, comparative morphology, physiology, behaviour, and population and community ecology. Dung beetle research is shedding light on the ultimate question of how best to document and conserve the world's biodiversity. The book will be of interest to established researchers, university teachers, research students, conservation biologists, and those wanting to know more about the dung beetle taxon.


Insect Diapause

Insect Diapause

Author: David L. Denlinger

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2022-02-03

Total Pages: 465

ISBN-13: 1108755186

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Our highly seasonal world restricts insect activity to brief portions of the year. This feature necessitates a sophisticated interpretation of seasonal changes and enactment of mechanisms for bringing development to a halt and then reinitiating it when the inimical season is past. The dormant state of diapause serves to bridge the unfavourable seasons, and its timing provides a powerful mechanism for synchronizing insect development. This book explores how seasonal signals are monitored and used by insects to enact specific molecular pathways that generate the diapause phenotype. The broad perspective offered here scales from the ecological to the molecular and thus provides a comprehensive view of this exciting and vibrant research field, offering insights on topics ranging from pest management, evolution, speciation, climate change and disease transmission, to human health, as well as analogies with other forms of invertebrate dormancy and mammalian hibernation.


A Natural History of Ladybird Beetles

A Natural History of Ladybird Beetles

Author: M. E. N. Majerus

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2016-11-24

Total Pages: 411

ISBN-13: 1107116074

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A comprehensive, full-colour work providing insights into recent advances in the ecological understanding of ladybirds.