Ladybirds: 10 (Naturalists' Handbook Series) - Softcover

Majerus, Michael; Kearns, Peter

9780855462673: Ladybirds: 10 (Naturalists' Handbook Series)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0855462671 ISBN 13: 9780855462673

Publisher: Richmond Publishing Co Ltd, 1999

The author assimilates information about ladybirds, discussing their structure, life histories, food, enemies, habitats, colours and patterns, genetics and evolution. He also sheds light on the phenomenon of cannibalism in ladybirds and the recent discovery of a "feminist" bacterium that kills eggs destined to produce males, but not those destined to produce females. Finally he discusses the use and potential use of ladybirds as biological control agents, how they are under threat from man, and what we can do to conserve them.

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

Synopsis:

An introduction to the natural history of ladybirds. Much can be learnt about the life and behaviour of ladybirds simply by observing them in the field or in the laboratory. All stages of the life cycle are readily found, and the larvae are particularly important because of their role in insect pest control, as they eat aphids. This book tells us how and where to find and study ladybirds in all stages of the life cycle, and focuses particularly on the genetic aspects of variation in colour pattern. Evolutionary questions are asked and answered. The book includes keys to the adults and larvae of British ladybirds, carefully designed for use in the field, as well as a more detailed key to the adults of all members of the family Coccinellidae. Techniques for further study are suggested.

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