Synopses & Reviews
Investigates predator-prey dynamics of ladybird beetles, and the implications for biological control.
Review
"The book is well organized and very well written...Recommended for biology, ecology, entomology, biological control, and related fields. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals." Choice"Dixon has marked a clear and inviting path forward; the book succeeds well in expanding our perspectives on how insect predators interact with their prey." Ecology"This book is an excellent review of many of the studies conducted in the field...The extensive work conducted on ladybird beetles provides a good basis for examining insect predator-prey dynamics, and this eloquent book is an excellent synopsis of the research. This volume will be invaluable to those working on insect predators, but undergraduate ecology students will also enjoy this comprehensive examination of predator-prey dynamics." The Quarterly Review of Biology
Synopsis
Ladybird beetles have long been used in the biological control of insect pests, but as with many biocontrol agents, they have not always been successful. This book explores the biology and interactions of predator and prey to develop a better understanding of what makes a successful predator for biological control.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction; 2. Basic biology and structure; 3. Body size; 4. Slow fast continuum in life history parameters; 5. Foraging behaviour; 6. Cannibalism; 7. Theory of predator-prey interactions; 8. Intraguild predation; 9. Biological control; 10. Epilogue; References; Index.