Elements Of Insect Endocrinology

The publication of the extensive seven-volume work Comprehensive Molecular Insect Science provided a complete reference encompassing important developments and achievements in modern insect science. One of the most swiftly moving areas in entomological and comparative research is endocrinology, and this volume, Insect Endocrinology, is designed for those who desire a comprehensive yet concise work on important aspects of this topic. Because this area has moved quickly since the original publication, articles in this new volume are revised, highlighting developments in the related area since its original publication. Insect Endocrinology covers the mechanism of action of insect hormones during growth and metamorphosis as well as the role of insect hormones in reproduction, diapause and the regulation of metabolism. Contents include articles on the juvenile hormones, circadian organization of the endocrine system, ecdysteroid chemistry and biochemistry, as well as new chapters on insulin-like peptides and the peptide hormone Bursicon. This volume will be of great value to senior investigators, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and advanced undergraduate research students. It can also be used as a reference for graduate courses and seminars on the topic. Chapters will also be valuable to the applied biologist or entomologist, providing the requisite understanding necessary for probing the more applied research areas. Articles selected by the known and respected editor-in-chief of the original major reference work, Comprehensive Molecular Insect Science Newly revised contributions bring together the latest research in the quickly moving field of insect endocrinology Review of the literature of the past five years is now included, as well as full use of data arising from the application of molecular technologies wherever appropriate

Although insect endocrinology is one of the oldest and most active branches of insect physiology, its classic general texts are long out of date, while its abundant primary literature provides little biological context in which to make sense of the discipline as a whole. In this book, H. Frederik Nijhout's goal is to provide a complete, concise, and up-to-date source for students and nonspecialists seeking an overview of the dynamic and wide-ranging science that insect endocrinology has become since its beginnings nearly eighty years ago in the study of insect metamorphosis. The author offers a comprehensive survey of the many roles that hormones play in the biology of insects. Among the topics discussed are the control of molting, metamorphosis, reproduction, caste determination in social insects, diapause, migration, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, diuresis, and behavior. The account features a summary of the most current and accurate thinking on the complex roles of ecdysone and juvenile hormone in the control of metamorphosis, a process still misunderstood and misrepresented in biological textbooks and many professional reviews. Throughout, the book's emphasis is on the biology of the organism and the ways in which physiological and developmental regulatory mechanisms are integrated into the insect's life cycle.

The endocrinological control of the numerous processes associated with the physiology and development of insects has been the subject of extensive research during the past decade. This monograph presents a wide range of information on the insect endocrine system. Particular attention is given to the mechanism of action of insect hormones during growth and metamorphosis, with special reference to the functioning of the organism as a whole. The role of insect hormones in reproduction, diapause and the regulation of metabolism and behaviour is discussed. The prospects for insect hormones as insecticides are also considered.

Organization of the neuroendrocrine system. Chemistry of insect hormones and neurohormones. Regulation of metamorphosis. Regulation of reproduction. Regulation of growth and development. Metabolic homeostasis. Mytropic factors and regulation pigmentation. Novel systems for studyng insect endocrines. Pheromones. Intracellular communications. Distribution and role of insect hormones in plants. Hormones and insect control.

1. Origin and Evolution of Insects 2. Elementary Knowledge of Collection and Preservation of Insects 3. Classification and Identification of Economically Important Insect Orders 4. Insect Integument 5. Segmentation and Body Regions 6. Digestive System 7. Circulatory System 8. Respiratory System 9. Excretory System 10. Reproductive System 11. Post-embryonic Development 12. Exocrine and Endocrine Glands 13. Nervous System 14. Sense Organs 15. Bioluminescence and Sound Production 16. Insects and The Abiotic Environment 17. Insect Population and Pest Outbreak 18. Insect-Plant Interaction 19. Locusts and Termites 20. Household Insects and Their Control 21. Insects Injurious to Man and Livestock 22. Insects Transmitting Diseases in Plants (Aphids and White flies) 23. Insect Injurious to Crops Insect Pests of Crops 24. Methods of Insect Pest Management 25. Beneficial Insects: Apiculture, Sericulture and Lac Culture 26. Stored Grain Pests and Their Management (Safe Storage of Food Grains) 27. Ticks and Mites of Economic Importance -Glossary of Technical Terms -Selected Readings