Silent Stories Insect Fossil Treasures from Dinosaur Era of the Northeastern China

About this book

This book showcases insect fossil treasures from the dinosaur era (165 to 130 Ma) in northeastern China with their silent stories. Not only their taxonomy and morphology, but also their potential implications on natural sciences are presented here. Besides academic science, the authors highlight popular science by providing information on extant insects and insect-related stories. Elegant and beautiful photos of fossil and extant insects are shown to illustrate the stories while serving as visual art. In addition to the 18 insect orders (Chapters 5 to 22), the book also covers fossil sites (1 and 4), palaeogeology (2), co-existing animals and plants (3), palaeo-ecosystems (23), pollination and “flower” visits (24) and insect mimicry (25). Judging by the high diversity and the large population of fossil insects, they have certainly played critical roles in evolution and ecosystems over aeons, which in turn have made insects a highly successful class. Intended to appeal to a broad spectrum of readers (such as palaeontologists, entomologists, evolutionists, palaeoecologists, fossil collectors, naturalists, hobbyists and students), the authors hope that readers will have fun while gaining new understanding and enjoying the artistic presentations. New fossil findings and further studies will continue to expand knowledge and deepen understanding in these fields.

Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 The Upper Mesozoic Stratigraphic Characteristics in Northeastern China
Chapter 3 Well-Balanced Eco-systems
Chapter 4 Insects-On the Spot Light
Chapter 5 Ephemeroptera-A Short life to live
Chapter 6 Odonata-Terminators with Wings
Chapter 7 Plecoptera-Indicator of Water Quality
Chapter 8 Blattodea-Survivors of the Fittest
Chapter 9 Grylloblattodea-Rare Living Fossils
Chapter 10 Dermaptera-Mystery at Night
Chapter 11 Orthoptera-The sound of Chirping
Chapter 12 Chresmodidae-Skiing on Water
Chapter 13 Phasmatodea-Swaying in the Wind
Chapter 14 Homoptera-17 Years Underground
Chapter 15 Heteroptera-Smelly Defense or Piercing Offense
Chapter 16 Raphidioptera-Loking Out and Looking Forward
Chapter 17 Neuroptera-Grace with Lace
Chapter 18 Coleoptera-Sacred, Precious and Strong
Chapter 19 Mecoptera-Stinger with out the Sting
Chapter 20 Diptera-"Vampires" for Dinosaurs
Chapter 21 Trichoptera-Mobile Home Builder
Chapter 22 Hymenoptera-Pollinators' Contribution
Chapter 23 Reconstruction of Palaeoecology for Insect Faunas
Chapter 24 Pollination and "Flower" Visits
Chapter 25 Mimicry

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