A Natural History of Ladybird Beetles

by M. E. N. Majerus, H. E. Roy (Editor), P. M. J. Brown (Editor)

Overview

The Coccinellidae are a family of beetles, known variously as ladybirds or ladybugs. In Britain alone, some 46 species belong to the Coccinellidae family, although only 26 of these are recognisably ladybirds. Composed largely of Professor Michael Majerus' lifetime work, and updated by two leading experts in the field, this book reveals intriguing insights into ladybird biology from a global perspective. The popularity of this insect group has been captured through societal and cultural considerations, coupled with detailed descriptions of complex scientific processes, to provide a comprehensive and accessible overview of these charismatic insects. Bringing together many studies on ladybirds, this book has been organised into themes, ranging from anatomy and physiology to ecology and evolution. This book is suitable for interested amateur enthusiasts, and researchers involved with ladybirds, entomology and biological control.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781316798621
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/24/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	50 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

M. E. N. Majerus (1954–2009) was Professor of Genetics in the Department of Genetics at the University of Cambridge, and Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge. He was a world authority in his field, a tireless advocate of evolution, and an enthusiastic educator of graduate and undergraduate students.
H. E. Roy is a Group Head and Principal Scientist at the NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, where she leads zoological research within the Biological Records Centre, which is the UK focus for terrestrial and freshwater species recording. She is an ecologist with a particular interest in the effects of environmental change on insect communities.
P. M. J. Brown is an ecologist and Senior Lecturer in Zoology at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, where he is also Course Leader for the MSc in Applied Wildlife Conservation. His research for over ten years has focused on ladybird ecology, and with Helen Roy he has co-authored two recent books on ladybirds.

Table of Contents

1. Ladybird, ladybird…; 2. The structure of ladybirds; 3. Where ladybirds live; 4. What ladybirds eat; 5. Sex and reproduction; 6. Ladybird dormancy; 7. Ladybird death; 8. Ladybird colouration; 9. Variation and evolution in ladybirds; 10. Ladybirds and people; Index.

Editorial Reviews

'The detail here is immense … It's also enlightening. … Majerus was taken from us too early, aged just 55, but this book stands as a tribute to his work - to make ladybirds fascinating and fun.' Richard Jones, BBC Wildlife

'A Natural History of Ladybird Beetles is an absolute joy to read. Perfect for beginners and experts alike, it begins with the role ladybirds have in folklore and nursery rhymes, and moves on to exceptionally detailed, yet accessible information on where ladybirds live, what they eat and what eats them, their sex lives, conservation and what the future holds for them. It’s probably the most detailed ladybird book available, with fascinating new information painstakingly researched by the late Professor Majerus, who died before his book was completed. A Natural History of Ladybird Beetles has been lovingly assembled by his former colleagues - some of Britain’s leading ladybird experts - and is a wonderful tribute to Majerus’ life’s work.' Kate Bradbury, Garden writer

'A fascinating and most thorough treatise on the biology, folklore and scientific research of the world’s Ladybirds. A wonderful legacy to the work of Mike Majerus, with full updates by Britain’s leading authorities on the charismatic family Coccinellidae.' Richard Lewington, Wildlife artist

'… an excellent foundation to anyone seeking to learn more about ladybirds, either as professional biologists or interested amateurs.' The Quarterly Review of Biology

From the Publisher