This comprehensive work introduces the reader to the well-represented pentatomoid fauna of northeastern North America. About 120 species and subspecies in five families are presently known to occur in this geographical area. The text begins with a closely defined classification of the Pentatomoidea within the order Hemiptera. A discussion of the his­tory of the investigations of North American Pentatomoidea follows, with a list of selected faunistic surveys by state or province and a general discussion of the pentatomoid life cy­cle including overwintering stages, spring emergence and mating, oviposition and sub­sequent development to adults. Here the au­thor also considers the scent glands and the possible functions of their secretions. This volume provides updated keys to the northeastern North American penta­tomoids, illustrations, references to revision­ary studies of families and genera, statements and maps of distribution, pertinent biologi­cal information regarding field life cycles, laboratory rearing, immature stages, host plants and prey, and parasites and predators. Unique within its field, this book was written for individuals interested in insects as well as those specializing in Hemiptera.

This monumental reference work treats an entire worldwide order of insects. It summarizes, from both a biological and sytematic perspective, current knowledge on the Heteroptera, or true bugs, a group containing approximately 35,000 species, many of which are important to agriculture and public health. To introduce the reader to this group, Randall T. Schuh and James A. Slater offer chapters on the history of the study of the Heteroptera, research techniques, and sources of specimens. They also cover attributes of general biological interest, including habitats, habits, mimicry, and wing polymorphism; selected taxa of economic importance; and basic morphology.Presenting a current classification of the Heteroptera, the authors synthesize to the subfamily and sometimes tribal level the enormous, scattered literature, including diagnoses, keys, general natural history, a summary of distributions, and a listing of important faunistic works. In addition to a wealth of detailed illustrations, they provide a glossary to help the reader deal with the confusing terminology that has evolved over the years, as well as an extensive bibliography of more than 1350 entries.Meticulously prepared by two of the world's leading specialists, this major work will be the standard reference on the Heteroptera for many years to come.