Ladybirds: Book 81 (Collins New Naturalist Library) - Hardcover

Majerus, Mike

9780007308569: Ladybirds: Book 81 (Collins New Naturalist Library)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0007308566 ISBN 13: 9780007308569

Publisher: Collins, 2009

Ladybirds provides a wealth of information about these fascinating beetles, including structure, life histories, food, enemies, habitats, distributions, colours and patterns, genetics and evolution. This edition is exclusive to newnaturalists.com

Despite their popularity very little information has previously been published about ladybirds. In this book Michael Majerus redresses the balance, assimilating a wealth of information about these fascinating beetles. He discusses their structure, life histories, food, enemies, habitats, distributions, colours and patterns, genetics and evolution. He sheds light on the phenomenon of cannibalism in ladybirds and the recent discovered of a 'feminist' bacterium that kills eggs destined to produce males, but not those destined to produce females. Finally there is a discussion on the use and potential use of ladybirds as biological control agents, how they are under threat from humans, and what we can do to conserve them.

In the best tradition of the New Naturalist series this is the definitive work on the natural history of these delightful beetles.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Synopsis:

Ladybirds are among the most popular of British insects. Their bright colours make them attractive and easy to find, and as most ladybirds are predatory, eating plant pests such as aphids, they are well regarded by farmers and gardeners. Despite their popularity very little information has previously been published about ladybirds. In this book Michael Majerus redresses the balance, assimilating a wealth of information about these fascinating beetles. He discusses their structure, life histories, food, enemies, habitats, distributions, colours and patterns, genetics and evolution. He sheds light on the phenomenon of cannibalism in ladybirds and the recent discovered of a 'feminist' bacterium that kills eggs destined to produce males, but not those destined to produce females. Finally there is a discussion on the use and potential use of ladybirds as biological control agents, how they are under threat from humans, and what we can do to conserve them. In the best tradition of the New Naturalist series this is the definitive work on the natural history of these delightful beetles.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.