This book provides a complete overview of cutting-edge research on insect sex pheromones and pheromone communication systems. The coverage ranges from the chemistry, biosynthesis, and reception of sex pheromones to the control of odor-source searching behavior, and from molecules to the application of research findings to robotics. The book both summarizes the progress of studies conducted using Bombyx mori and several groups of moths and reviews sex pheromones of some non-lepidopteran insect groups of agricultural importance. Attention is drawn to recent findings on elaborate neural information processing in the brain in male moths and to the importance of olfactory receptors specifically tuned to sex pheromone molecules. Featuring contributions from leading experts on the topic, this book will be a unique and valuable resource for researchers and students in the fields of entomology, chemical ecology, insect physiology and biochemistry, evolution, biomimetics, and bioengineering. In addition to researchers, general insect lovers will find the book fascinating for its descriptions of the marvelous abilities of insects and the underlying mechanisms involved.

Intraspecific communication involves the activation of chemoreceptors and subsequent activation of different central areas that coordinate the responses of the entire organism—ranging from behavioral modification to modulation of hormones release. Animals emit intraspecific chemical signals, often referred to as pheromones, to advertise their presence to members of the same species and to regulate interactions aimed at establishing and regulating social and reproductive bonds. In the last two decades, scientists have developed a greater understanding of the neural processing of these chemical signals. Neurobiology of Chemical Communication explores the role of the chemical senses in mediating intraspecific communication. Providing an up-to-date outline of the most recent advances in the field, it presents data from laboratory and wild species, ranging from invertebrates to vertebrates, from insects to humans. The book examines the structure, anatomy, electrophysiology, and molecular biology of pheromones. It discusses how chemical signals work on different mammalian and non-mammalian species and includes chapters on insects, Drosophila, honey bees, amphibians, mice, tigers, and cattle. It also explores the controversial topic of human pheromones. An essential reference for students and researchers in the field of pheromones, this is also an ideal resource for those working on behavioral phenotyping of animal models and persons interested in the biology/ecology of wild and domestic species.

Insect Pheromone Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Second Edition, provides an updated and comprehensive review of the biochemistry and molecular biology of insect pheromone biosynthesis and reception. The book ties together historical information with recent discoveries, provides the reader with the current state of the field, and suggests where future research is headed. Written by international experts, many of whom pioneered studies on insect pheromone production and reception, this release updates the 2003 first edition with an emphasis on recent advances in the field. This book will be an important resource for entomologists and molecular biologists studying all areas of insect communication. - Offers a historical and contemporary perspective, with a focus on advances over the last 15 years - Discusses the molecular and regulatory mechanisms underlying pheromone production/detection, as well as the evolution of these processes across the insects - Led by editors with broad expertise in the metabolic pathways of pheromone production and the biochemical and genetic processes of pheromone detection

This book explores mate-finding and courtship behaviour in the insect world, in all its subtlety and diversity. Insects engage in courtship as much, or as little, as any other animal; they have songs and dances, and all manner of instruments and ornaments to attract and court the opposite sex. Insects have evolved complex chemical and acoustic communication systems, sending fragrant messages, visual signals and subtle vibrations to attract and persuade. Insects also have many different ways and means of choosing or rejecting mating partners. This beautifully illustrated book shows the incredible variety of courtship behaviours and celebrates the wonderful natural history of a wide range of insects. Varieties of courtship can occur before, during and even after copulation, and numerous examples of the different mating strategies used are presented. This landmark volume will be of interest to students of biology, entomologists, naturalists and anyone with a desire to know more about the love lives of the small creatures with which we share the planet.

Insecticides - Advances in Insect Control and Sustainable Pest Management offers an in-depth exploration of insect control, showcasing the latest scientific advancements, practical applications, and sustainable solutions. Insects play a crucial role in our ecosystem, but their presence can also present significant challenges to agriculture, public health, and the environment. This book serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the cutting-edge approaches to insect control, providing valuable insights into the development and implementation of innovative insecticides. Authored by a team of renowned experts, the book delves into the fascinating world of insect biology, examining the intricate mechanisms that drive their behavior and evolution. With a strong focus on sustainable pest management, the book emphasizes environmentally friendly methods that minimize the impact on non-target organisms and reduce chemical residues in the environment. Within the pages of this book, readers will discover a wealth of information on emerging insecticide technologies, including novel chemical compounds, biological agents, and genetic engineering approaches. The effectiveness, safety profiles, and modes of action of these advancements are thoroughly analyzed, equipping professionals and researchers with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions and develop integrated pest management strategies. Whether you are a scientist, student, or practitioner in the fields of entomology, agriculture, or public health, Insecticides - Advances in Insect Control and Sustainable Pest Management is an essential resource that provides a comprehensive understanding of insect control. It addresses critical issues such as insect resistance, regulatory frameworks, and the social and economic implications of insecticide use, paving the way for sustainable pest management practices. Embark on a journey through the intricate world of insects and explore the innovative solutions designed to control them. With up-to-date research, practical applications, and a focus on sustainability, this book is an invaluable companion for navigating the complex realm of insect control in the 21st century.

Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 1: Fishes is the first of five second-edition volumes representing a comprehensive and integrated overview of hormones and reproduction in fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The book includes coverage of endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behavior, and anatomy of fish reproduction. It provides a broad treatment of the roles of pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal hormones in all aspects of reproduction, as well as descriptions of major life history events. New to this edition is a concluding assessment of the effect of environmental influences on fishes. Initial chapters in this book broadly examine sex determination, reproductive neuroendocrinology, stress, and hormonal regulation as it relates to testicular and ovarian development and function. Subsequent chapters examine hormones and reproduction of specific taxa, including agnathan, chondrichthyan, and sarcopterygian fishes. The book concludes with an examination of the environmental influences on hormones and reproduction of fishes, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals and climate change. Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 1: Fishes is designed to provide a readable, coordinated description of reproductive basics in fishes, as well as an introduction to the latest trends in reproductive research and a presentation of our understanding of reproductive events gained over the past decade. It may serve as a stand-alone reference for researchers and practitioners in the field of ichthyology or as one of five coordinated references aligned to provide topical treatment across vertebrate taxa for researchers, practitioners, and students focused on vertebrate endocrinology. - Covers endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behavior, and anatomy of fish reproduction - Includes pituitary, pineal, thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal hormones - Focuses on teleosts as well as information on agnathan, chondrichthyan, and sarcopterygian fishes - Provides new coverage on endocrine-disrupting chemicals, microplastics, and climate change

Insects as a group occupy a middle ground in the biosphere between bacteria and viruses at one extreme, amphibians and mammals at the other. The size and general nature of insects present special problems to the student of entomology. For example, many commercially available instruments are geared to measure in grams, while the forces commonly encountered in studying insects are in the milligram range. Therefore, techniques developed in the study of insects or in those fields concerned with the control of insect pests are often unique. Methods for measuring things are common to all sciences. Advances sometimes depend more on how something was done than on what was measured; indeed a given field often progresses from one technique to another as new methods are discovered, developed, and modified. Just as often, some of these techniques find their way into the classroom when the problems involved have been suffi ciently ironed out to permit students to master the manipulations in a few lab oratory periods. Many specialized techniques are confined to one specific research laboratory. Although methods may be considered commonplace where they are used, in another context even the simplest procedures may save considerable time. It is the purpose of this series (1) to report new developments in methodology, (2) to reveal sources of groups who have dealt with and solved particular entomo logical problems, and (3) to describe experiments which may be applicable for use in biology laboratory co~rses.

This book is the first volume of the bioacoustics series published by the Society for Bioacoustics. This volume provides an overview of the advances and recent topics in acoustic communication in various animals. Most animals produce vibrations and sounds by moving their body parts, including vocal organs. These sounds can be research targets of bioacoustics studies. How animals use these sounds, especially in inter-individual relationships, is the focus of this volume, “Acoustic Communication in Animals”. The authors’ expertise varies from molecular biology, neurobiology to psychology, and human brain imaging. Their research subjects range from invertebrates to humans. Despite the variety of topics, chapters are developed under the consideration of ethology and evolution. Readers will recognize the profundity of the topics in each chapter. In addition, the view and understanding of natural sound sequences produced by animals can vary among different cultures. Research from Japan and regions that have been underrepresented in previous literature can offer new ideas and unique perspectives in the study of bioacoustics. Readers can grasp the progress of this research field in a broad range of species in one book. The book presents multi- and interdisciplinary topics and appeals to researchers and students in fields including psychology, physiology, zoology, ethology, and neurosciences.

This book examines the mechanisms and functions of tonic immobility, the so-called death feigning behavior, or thanatosis, or animal hypnosis. The chapters cover the neurophysiological and experimental studies on insects, the functional significance of death-feigning, examination of the freezing and immobility behavior in insects through environment, physiology, genetics, and responses to ultrasound and vibration. It also covers tonic immobility and freezing behavior in fish from the perspective of vertebrates study. Tonic immobility is an interesting behavior that occurs reflexively in various animals under physical restraint by predators. The physiological mechanism of thanatosis was extensively investigated during 1960-1980. Researchers have proposed hypotheses to explain the mechanism underlying tonic immobility in vertebrates; local inhibition of the central nervous system, acceleration of the limbic system, abnormal control of the autonomic nervous system. On the other hand, the peripheral and central mechanisms of tonic immobility were intensely investigated at a behavioral and a neuronal level in stick insects and crickets. In the 1970s, behavioral ecology has shed light on the aspect of an ultimate factor for tonic immobility. Ethologists and ecologists challenged this matter in the laboratory and natural habitats, and have collected evidence for its functional roles using mainly insects such as beetles, moths, locusts. More recently, studies of tonic immobility in humans are drawing attention, as clinicians are trying to explain the defencelessness of rape victims from the viewpoint of animal hypnosis. This timely publication provides an understanding of the past and present research of the mechanisms and functions of tonic immobility. This book is intended for researchers and undergraduate/ graduate students in the field of zoology including physiology, ethology, ecology, and human behavior. It will also appeal to the public audience who has an interest in animal behavior, including human behavior.

Biopesticides have a great influence in sustainable agriculture, and their use in commercial farming ensures environmental protection, qualitative products, and effective use of resources. The second edition of Biopesticides Handbook is fully updated and includes five new chapters on microbial, biochemical, and RNAi pesticides. It details the benefits of biopesticides along the food chain, offering a full spectrum of the range of organisms and organic products that may be used in the biological control of pests. It discusses the uses and abuses of biopesticides, their positive and negative consequences, as well as more recent advances and the best mode of action to improve environmental safety. FEATURES Thoroughly updated, this edition explores not only the benefits but also all aspects of biopesticides Includes new chapters on the uses of biochemical and microbial pesticides and plant-incorporated protectants Discusses the new field of RNAi pesticides Provides information on insect growth regulators and allelochemicals Introduces a new chapter on the uses of biopesticides in food and medicinal crops This book is intended for professionals, researchers, academics, and postgraduate students with experience in fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, environmental sciences, ecology, and agriculture, as well as those invested in the supply chain of agricultural products, such as farmers, growers, and other stakeholders.