Though many are harmless and even beneficial, invertebrates are some of the world’s most feared and dangerous creatures. Guide to Venomous and Medically Important Invertebrates describes the health threats posed by invertebrate groups worldwide, from physical pain and annoyance to disease transmission risk. Featuring clear photographs, distribution maps and descriptions of biological, physical and behavioural characteristics of key groups, this book aids identification of potentially harmful invertebrates. It also summarises personal protection measures to reduce the risk of attack and disease, and provides guidance on treatment. This book will help to protect the health of travellers and serve as a reference for medical personnel working in high-risk areas, as well as those interested in entomology.

Seas and oceans cover 71 % of the earth’s surface and they are home to 80% of all life found on the planet . Among the different components of marine life, the phylum Cnidaria (formerly Coelenterata) has been reported to be responsible for more envenomations than any other marine phylum. It is believed that 2% of its known 11000 species are venomous to humans. Incidents caused by jellyfish are common all around the globe, with serious manifestations and occasional deaths reported in some countries. The Australian box jellyfish, Chironex fleckeri , has been reported to be very dangerous to humans, as contact with its tentacles can provoke immediate cardiovascular collapse and death within minutes. Though other volumes on venomous marine fauna are available, this is the first comprehensive book focusing on venomous marine cnidarians. It is a valuable text-cum-reference resource for researchers, teachers and students of various disciplines, including fisheries science, marine biotechnology and marine biology and for university and college libraries. It is also a useful guide for beachgoers, divers, physicians and environmentalists.

Here is all the information you will ever need--no matter where you are in the world--to identify, avoid, and protect yourself against all manner of blood sucking or venomous arthropods, ranging from scorpions, spiders, ants, and bees to mites, ticks, lice, bed bugs, sand flies, biting midges, mosquitoes, and horse flies. Line drawings and representative color photographs help identify bugs accurately, and information on each bug's particular habits and habitats allows readers to minimize potentially annoying, painful, and even lethal encounters. This book is packed with helpful tips on using barriers--window-screens, bed nets, smoky coils, and proper clothing, and on choosing the right repellent for the right bug in the right place. Readers also will learn how to apply pesticides safely and effectively. Based on the best available science, this well-illustrated, crystal clear guide will be a welcome guest in any home or back yard, and an essential companion for travelers around the world.

Even in the most industrialized nations, the health problems caused by common and exotic insects pose a serious threat, making quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment imperative. Physician's Guide to Arthropods of Medical Importance is the ultimate resource for identifying arthropods - including varieties of insects, spiders, mites, ticks, and scorpions - and their harmful effects on human health.

Winner in the Scholarly Reference section of the 2004 Australian Awards for Excellence in Educational Publishing. Introduced Mammals of the World provides a concise and extensive source of information on the range of introductions of mammals conducted by humans, and an indication as to which have resulted in adverse outcomes. It provides a very valuable tool by which scientists can assess future potential introductions (or re-introductions) to avoid costly mistakes. It also provides tangible proof of the need for political decision makers to consider good advice and make wise and cautious decisions. Introduced Mammals of the World also provides a comprehensive reference to students of ecological systems management and biological conservation. This book is a companion volume to Introduced Birds of the World, by the same author, published in 1981, and which remains the premier text of its kind in the world more than twenty years after it was published. Introduced Mammals of the World provides the most comprehensive account of the movement of mammals around the world providing details on the date(s) of introduction, the person/agency responsible, the source populations, the location(s) of release, the fate of the introductions, and the impact if known, for over 300 species of mammal.

Australia’s venomous snakes are widely viewed as the world’s most deadly and are regarded with cautious curiosity, fascination and, regrettably, fear. Australia’s Dangerous Snakes examines the biology, natural history, venom properties and bite treatment of medically important venomous marine and terrestrial snakes. It contains comprehensive identification profiles for each species, supported by keys and photographs. In addition to their medical importance, the environmental roles of these snakes and the threats that are causing the decline of many of these reptiles are discussed. Drawing on the authors’ experience in the fields of herpetology, toxinology and clinical medicine, this book stimulates respect and admiration and dispels fear of Australia’s fascinating snakes. Australia’s Dangerous Snakes will provide hours of rewarding reading and valuable information for anyone interested in Australia’s unique wildlife and natural history, and will be an essential reference for herpetologists, toxinologists, physicians, zoo personnel and private snake collectors.

This text is the essential tool for identifying arthropods-including varieties of insects, spiders, mites, and scorpions-and the health problems they cause. Vector-borne diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, and tick-borne ehrlichiosis are serious worldwide threats to human health. For those living in industrialized nations, the main threat lies with stings and bites of various species and the reactions they cause. Allergic reactions to even common insects such as bees or fire ants can be severe-sometimes resulting in death. Because quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment is imperative, the Physician's Guide to Arthropods of Medical Importance provides easy-to-find, detailed information about insect- and other arthropod-caused health problems. The volume begins with several chapters devoted to the pathologic conditions caused by arthropods and treatment regimes for each. When a specific arthropod is discussed in Part I, a parenthetical reference is provided, indicating where more detailed information can be found in Part II. In Part II, descriptions of each arthropod are listed alphabetically with clearly marked subheadings so you can go directly to the topic you need without reading any extraneous material. Part III provides a glossary of entomological terms and an index, which includes pathologic conditions and common names to further aid you in finding a specific condition or insect.

A Guide to the Beetles of Australia provides a comprehensive introduction to the Coleoptera – a huge and diverse group of insects. Beetles make up 40 per cent of all insects known to science. The number of described beetle species in the world – around 350 000 – is more than six times the number of all vertebrate species. New beetle species are being discovered all the time. Of the 30 000 species that may occur in Australia, only 20 000 have been scientifically described. These include around 6500 weevils (Curculionidae), 2600 scarabs, dung beetles and chafers (Scarabaeidae); and 2250 leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae). A Guide to the Beetles of Australia highlights the enormous diversity of this unique insect Order. It emphasises the environmental role of beetles, their relationships with other plants and animals, and their importance to humans. Winner of the 2010 Whitley Medal.

This is a comprehensive monograph on the problems of intoxication incurred by snake venom. This publication is primarily intended for those at all levels of health care, for members of rescue teams, surgeries and emergency hospitals, as well as specialised workplaces and intensive care units. Providing didactic instructions for first aid and treatment procedures, information is also presented on venomous snakes, the fundaments of their morphology and behaviour, snakebite prevention, the composition of snake venom, symptoms of envenoming, plus first aid in the event of snakebite for non-professionals, travellers, terrain biologists, and breeders. This book features an updated alphabetical list of types and sub-types of all venomous snakes, including their home ranges, as well as a comprehensive index, list of abbreviations, glossary, and colour picture insert with one hundred photographs of venomous snakes.

Details the diversity, evolution and ecology of this much neglected group of animals, and describes their range of reproductive strategies and dietary adaptations. The book includes a chapter on rodent diseases, the impact of human settlement, and the efforts that are being made to conserve key species.