This definitive volume provides a complete overview of suborder Blattaria, highlighting the diversity of these amazing insects in their natural environments.
Beginning with a foreword by E. O. Wilson, Cockroaches: Ecology, Behavior, and Natural History explores the fascinating natural history and behavior of cockroaches, describing their various colors, sizes, and shapes, as well as how they move on land, in water, and through the air. In addition to habitat use, diet, reproduction, and behavior, Cockroaches covers aspects of cockroach biology, such as the relationship between cockroaches and microbes, termites as social cockroaches, and the ecological impact of the suborder.
With over 100 illustrations, an expanded glossary, and an invaluable set of references, Cockroaches: Ecology, Behavior, and Natural History is destined to become the classic book on the Blattaria. Students and research entomologists can mine each chapter for new ideas, new perspectives, and new directions for future study.
William J. Bell (1943-1998) was a revered entomologist specializing in insect physiology and behavior. His two-volume work, Chemical Ecology of Insects (coedited with R. T. Carde), is considered a classic in the field. Louis M. Roth (1918-2003) was an acknowledged world expert on cockroaches at Harvard University. Christine A. Nalepa is a research specialist with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and an adjunct associate professor of entomology at North Carolina State University. She works on a variety of insects, including beetles, wasps, cockroaches, and termites.
"This transformative work will be an inspiration to students of entomology."
– Choice
"A must-have for any insect hobbiest."
– Allpet Roaches Forum
"This contribution is an important source of information on cockroach natural history and diversity."
– Frederic Legendre – Quarterly Review of Biology
"This is a well-written book that is also visually attractive [...] This book is much needed to educate biologists about the fascinating biology and diversity of cockroaches."
– Srini Kambhampati – Integrative and Comparative Biology
"Well suited for any collection delving into insect natural history."
– Midwest Book Review
"Suitable for researchers, students, and naturalists, chapters are topical, exploring the diversity of cockroaches."
– Southeastern Naturalist