Review
"Gullan and Cranston" has become the standard in the field....engagingly written and packed with interesting and up-to-date entomological examples.....the most thoroughly updated and appealing general entomology textbook on the market."
American Entomologist, Winter 2004 “Students wanting a single book to give them the whole picture need look no further … Since receiving The Insects I have referred to it daily, my other standby reference texts meriting only an occasional glance. It is an extremely well written and thoroughly up-to-date text, amply and clearly illustrated with magnificent black-and-white drawings.” Review of the first edition in Nature
"...a seriously comprehensive book that any student of entomology should have" Dr John Feltwell, Independent Consultant Ecologist
"an excellent teaching resource and reference work....Penny Gullan and Peter Cranston have certainly written an eminently usable textbook that will be popular with people lecturing entomology courses and with biologists interested in comprehensive and modern synopsis of the most diverse class of animals." African Entomology, 2005
"this book...is not simply a textbook. It is well written and eminently readable with the authors' enthusiasm for their subject apparent throughout. It also has an international scope...Consequently whilst being an invaluable reference source for students, tutors and researchers alike, it will also appeal to amateurs interested in learning more about insects than the basic facts. All in all, this book will make a valuable and much used addition to any school, university library or personal library." Journal of Insect Conservation, June 2005
"Penny Gullan and Peter Cranston have certainly written an eminently usable textbook that will be popular with people lecturing entomology courses and with biologists interested in a comprehensive and modern synopsis of the most diverse class of animals." African Entomology, June 2005
"This book is probably the most well-written textbook in entomology in our present time...As an introduction to the broad field of entomology, this textbook is highly recommended." Norwegian Journal of Entomology, August 2005
"This established and popular textbook is the definitive guide to the study of insects..." Ethology, Ecology and Evolution, August 2005
Book Description
This established and popular textbook is the definitive guide to the study of insects; a group of animals that represent over half of the planets biological diversity. In this new, third edition the authors maintain the clear, concise approach of the previous editions, examining all aspects of insect biology, including:anatomy and physiologyecology of insects in the many different environments in which they are foundevolution of insects, including the most recent genetic researchbehaviors such as sociality, predation, parasitism, and defensemedical and veterinary entomologymanagement of insect pests and how insect activities can be modified or controlledmethods of collecting, preserving, and identifying insects.In addition to updating the whole text with the latest research, this third edition has a new chapter on the methods and results of studies of insect phylogeny and a new review of insect evolution and biogeography. Successful strategies in insect conservation also are covered for the first time, reflecting the increasing threat to natural ecosystems from environmental changes. The systematic reviews of each insect order found in previous editions now include Mantophasmatodea the first new order of insects described for many decades.Written in an accessible and stimulating style, the book includes boxes highlighting key themes, suggestions for further reading, and is extensively illustrated with specially commissioned drawings and color plates. This book is the ideal principal text for students taking courses in entomology and for wider degree courses in which the study of insects is important, such as ecology, agriculture, fisheries and forestry, paleontology, zoology, and medical and veterinary science.
