Expanded and updated, this second edition of a bestselling book challenges conventional entomological wisdom with the latest research and analytical interpretations. Encouraging independent evaluation of the data and allowing for the extrapolation of major concepts across species, this indispensable text establishes a thorough understanding of the physiological and biochemical functions and adaptations that have made insects one of the most successful groups of living organisms on the planet.
Comprehensive in scope, yet organized to provide immediate access to specific information, Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Second Edition ―
- Features new chapters on insect immunity and diapause
- Expands information on the dynamics and mechanics of flight and on color vision
- Details all major physiological functions
- Examines all stages of the lifecycle and development
- Highlights the relationship of insect physiology and behavior
- Discusses environment and ecology as determinants in physiological and biochemical adaptations
- Supplies more than 250 illustrations, including electron and transmission electron micrographs
- Contains nearly 2000 references and Websites
- Includes a new, four page color insert
Following the tradition of its bestselling predecessor, this edition provides working scientists and students with an engaging and authoritative guide to the most current findings in the field.
James L. Nation is Professor Emeritus in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida at Gainesville. He taught insect physiology at the graduate level for 42 years. His research includes nitrogen excretion, pheromones, cuticular hydrocarbons, and insect nutrition. He is currently editor of Florida Entomologist.
...a welcome addition to the literature.
―Thomas Miller, University of California, Riverside, USA
Insect Physiology and Biochemistry provides an excellent introduction of the subjects for graduate students and advanced undergraduates for whom it is written and will serve as a primer for the non specialist eager to employ insects as their research models. The text is clear, well arranged, and a pleasure to read. It presents the broad concepts and focuses on contemporary references...In all, this textbook is an impressive work, emblematic of Nation’s ability to present clearly the salient highlights of insect physiology and biochemistry. Its wide adoption as a teaching text is assured.
―William S. Bowers, The University of Arizona, Tuscon, USA Journal of Chemical Ecology, Vol. 28, No. 12
... This 2nd edition textbook does a nice job of presenting information to students. The 2nd edition of course has been updated. Each chapter has received some updating with most noticeable improvements to the figures. The font has not changed but a better paper has been used to make the text and figures easier to read. The front cover might even be more visually appealing to some, although the content is what is important. In addition several chapters have been added to improve the 2nd edition. One is on diapauses and one about immunity. These were added in response to suggestions made by reviewers of the first edition and are important aspects to include in a text on insect physiology. Studies on diapauses have occurred for quite some time, but more recent insights into the molecular mechanisms behind diapause were also included. Insect immunity is an area of insect physiology that is currently receiving a considerable amount of research attention. This chapter provides students with an overview of this important topic. ...Other changes that have improved the second edition are the expansion of chapters on vision and flight. The new edition has been improved with the addition of some color plates placed in the middle of the book. ...
I would recommend this textbook to all students, faculty, and other scholars studying insects. The new edition is improved and covers almost every aspect of insect physiology. Every student of entomology should have a course in insect physiology and up to date textbooks are required to help teach these courses. James Nation has taught insect physiology and other courses for quite some time and has incorporated that knowledge into this textbook. The references at the end of each chapter are invaluable to new students and old who want to find out more information about certain topics. As more biologists become interested in insects as more genomes are sequenced they will want to know more about how the genes they are studying fit into the physiology and biochemistry of insects in general. Control measures based more on the specifics of insect physiology will also be developed in the future and background information will be required to exploit these technologies. This textbook will provide that background information.
―Russell Jurenka, Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, in Florida Entomologist
