Insect Physiology/M. Prakash. New Delhi, Discovery Publishing House, 2008, x, 330 p., tables, 108 figs., ISBN 81-8356-289-8. [Encyclopaedia of Entomology -3].

    Contents: 1. Respiratory system. 2. Vascular system. 3. Biochemistry of hemolymph. 4. Blood cells. 5. Immune system. 6. Excretory system. Index.

    "Most insects are exhibitionists. They move about and engage in their daily tasks of acquiring food, courting, and reproduction undaunted by the watchful eyes of an observer. Over the span of human life on this planet people have almost certainly been fascinated and entertained by the activities of insects-- what child have never stopped to admire a passing butterfly or sat and watched the coming and goings of a column of foraging ants? From such basic observations we have gained considerable insight into the biology of insects, but only recently have we  begun to integrate our knowledge of behaviour, hormones, physiology and ecology into a more complete view.

    The present title Insect Physiology has been carefully compiled and edited to meet the long fled needs of increasingly large number of those who have to deal with the different aspects of biology of insects in colleges, universities and research institutes. It provides a balanced and integrated treatment of the entire field of insect biology. The title is intelligible to the educated layman but it deals with some complex ideas. It is an adequate text for all requirements in this area for most university students. Special efforts have been made to explain ideas in non-mathematical term. The primary aim throughout has been clarity, simplicity and the high standard. It will definitely prove to be a boon to teachers, students and research workers in the field of insect biology." (jacket)

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