The Biology of the Coleoptera

Download or read book The Biology of the Coleoptera written by R. A. Crowson and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2013-09-03 with total page 817 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Biology of the Coleoptera covers the branches of modern biology of Coleoptera. The book discusses the biological study of beetles; some skeletal peculiarities and the internal structures of the adults. The text also describes some structural features of larvae and pupae; food, digestion and the alimentary canal; and blood, osmoregulation, reserves, excretion and endocrine organs. The locomotion, respiration and energetics; the senses; and the cuticular properties, appearance, color and luminosity are also considered. The book further tackles the adult and larval behavior; the development and life-cycles; and the cytology and genetics. The text also looks into water beetles; special habitats; predation and defence; and symbiotic and parasitic relations. The ecological triangle: beetles, fungi and trees; and herbivorous beetles are also looked into. The book also discusses the role of beetles as ecological indicators; and the evolutionary history of beetles. Entomologists, ecologists, and biologists will find the book useful.