Biology of Grasshoppers

The often mythic status accorded migratory locust plagues and the severe economic impact of which they, along with grasshoppers, are capable have been a chief motive behind research into those insects. But acridoids are also ideal organisms for studying problems of basic biology, not to mention their significance in a number of other areas of research. That they are interesting subjects of research is one of the premises at work in this book. The other is that a multidimensional view of acridoids is necessary to appreciate fully their observable biological responses. Reflecting the considerable refinement in research techniques that has occurred since Uvarov's classic on physiology and behavior of Acridoidea, this book offers new information in the field made possible by the advent of radar and electron microscopy, recent developments in electrophysiology, and new paradigms, especially in approaches to population biology. Biology of Grasshoppers comprises articles authored by a number of specialists in a variety of related disciplines. Among the topics covered are:Chemoreception, food selection, feeding, nutritionWater and temperature regulationPheromones, chemical communication, mating systemsFlight and migration, population dynamicsPathogenic diseases and color pattern polymorphismWith studies ranging from the molecular to the evolutionary scales, Biology of Grasshoppers presents a diversity of topics in a context that emphasizes the functioning of the whole organism. Providing many insights into general biological principles through the study of Acridoidea, its organismal approach juxtaposes chapters from scientists with very different backgrounds to provide links among disciplines that are too often ignored.Chapman, R. F. is the author of 'Biology of Grasshoppers' with ISBN 9780471609018 and ISBN 0471609013.