Insect Biodiversity: Science and Society brings together leading scientific experts to assess the impact insects have on humankind and the earth s 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.

Insect Biodiversity: Science and Society brings togetherleading scientific experts to assess the impact insects have onhumankind and the earth's fragile ecosystems. It examines whyinsect biodiversity matters and how the rapid evolution of insectspecies is affecting us all.Insects and related arthropods make up more than 50 percent ofthe known animal diversity globally, yet a lack of knowledge aboutinsects is hindering the advance of science and society. This bookexplores the wide variety in type and number of insect species andtheir evolutionary relationships. Case studies offer assessments onhow insect biodiversity can help meet the needs of a rapidlyexpanding human population, and also examine the consequences thatan increased loss of insect species will have on the world.The book concludes that a better understanding of the biologyand ecology of insects is the only way to sustainably manageecosystems in an ever changing global environment.

Preface.Acknowledgements.1. Introduction Peter H. Adler and Robert G. Foottit.2. The Importance of Insects G.G.E. Scudder.Part I. Insect Biodiversity: Regional Examples.3. Insect Biodiversity in the Nearctic Region Andrew B. T.Smith and Hugh V. Danks.4. Amazonian Rainforests and Their Richness of Coleoptera, aDominant Life Form in the Critical Zone of the Neotropics TerryL. Erwin and Christy J. Geraci.5. Insect Biodiversity in the Afrotropical Region C.H.Scholtz and M.W. Mansell.6. Biodiversity of Australasian Insects Peter S.Cranston.7. Insect Biodiversity in the Palearctic Region Alexander S.Konstantinov, Boris A. Korotyaev and Mark G. Volkovitsh.Part II. Insect Biodiversity: Taxon Examples.8. Biodiversity of Aquatic Insects John C. Morse.9. Biodiversity of Diptera G.W. Courtney, T. Pape, J.H.Skevington and B.J. Sinclair.10. Biodiversity of Heteroptera Thomas J. Henry.11. Biodiversity of Coleoptera P. Bouchard, V.V. GrebennikovA.B.T. Smith and H. Douglas.12. Biodiversity of Hymenoptera John T. Huber.13. Lepidoptera Biodiversity Michael G. Pogue.Part III. Tools and Approaches.14. The Science of Insect Taxonomy: Prospects and NeedsQuentin D. Wheeler.15. Insect Species - Concepts and Practice Michael F.Claridge.16. Molecular Dimensions of Insect Taxonomy Felix Sperlingand Amanda Roe.17. DNA Barcodes and Insect Biodiversity Robin M. Floyd, JohnJ. Wilson, Paul D. N. Hebert.18. Insect Biodiversity and Informatics Norman F.Johnson.19. Parasitoid Diversity and Insect Pest Management JohnHeraty.20. Taxonomy of Crop Pests: The Aphids Gary L. Miller andRobert G. Foottit.21. Adventive Insects: A Global Overview Alfred G. WheelerJr. and E. Richard Hoebeke.22. Biodiversity of Biting Flies: Implications for HumanityPeter H. Adler.23. Reconciling Ethical and Scientific Issues for InsectConservation Michael J. Samways.24. Insect Biodiversity: Assessment and Taxonomy Ke ChungKim.25. Insect Biodiversity -- Millions and Millions MayBerenbaum.Taxonomic Index.Subject Index