Insect Defenses: Adaptive Mechanisms and Strategies of Prey and Predators

by David L. Evans (Editor), Justin O. Schmidt

This work takes a fresh, modern approach to investigate and explain the predator and prey relationships of insects and spiders, the major terrestrial fauna on earth. Devoted to broad and in-depth analysis of arthropod defenses against predators, the book's approach is both experimentally and theoretically based with major emphasis on evolution, predator strategies and tactics, and prey defensive adaptations and behaviors.

The authors explain such topics as cryptic and aposematic coloration, the conflict between sexual and survival needs, web spider prey choice and evolution of prey counter defenses, predator-prey interactions and the origins of intelligence, bird predatory tactics, and caterpillar defense strategies. Also examined is the use of timing for fitness and survival, evolutionary gamesmanship in the predatory bat-moth relationship, colony defense by aper wasps, startle as a defense by moths, aggregation as a defense, chemicals as defenses, plant chemicals as defenses, and venoms as defenses. The authors illustrate each topic with numerous specific well-documented examples presented in a clear, readable style.

Paperback

First published October 1, 1990

About the author

David L. Evans is a naturalist at Beaverbrook Reservation in Belmont, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Nick Black]

Coauthored by the formulator of the Justin O. Schmidt Sting Pain Index, through which we all know about paraponera, which will fuck you up seven ways to a Sunday. I was reminded of this book by http://happydays.blogs.nytimes.com/20..., which is a good gentle introduction.