Fundamentals of Entomology (6th Edition) 6th edition by Elzinga Professor Emeritus, Richard J. (2003) Paperback

by Richard J. Elzinga

Using an exceptionally clear writing style, minimal scientific jargon, and vivid photos and drawings, this book provides a comprehensive view of the fundamentals of entomology. It captures the rich diversity and complexity of insects and their influence upon the ecosystem--"without" turning readers off with excessive details. Chapter topics cover the arthropod plan, the insect externally and internally; development and specialization; ecology; behavior; parasitism by insects; predation by insects; insects, plants, livestock, domestic animals, and humans; insect pest management; household insects; classification; and making an insect collection. For the study of insects.

Genres: Reference, Science

Paperback

First published February 1, 1978

Reviews

[W.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the earlier edition of this textbook published way back at the end of the seventies. Another reviewer on here noted the problematic eulogy of DDT as a malaria control (1978) in this book. Live and learn. Or die and learn. We're all guinea pigs when it comes to drugs (including pesticides). Authors can't guarantee omniscience.

That small caveat aside, I was very impressed with the way the author tackles the complex subject of insect (and other arthropod) morphology. The chapters are manageable size with ample illustrations. You come to appreciate the weird evolutionary strategies insects have struck upon. It's a bit like visiting The Fantastic Planet, since we're not used to knowing what's actually going on in insect lives, and how strange (by human standards) the behavior is. By the end of the book, you end up picking up dozens of delicious terms unique to insect biology.

I have a pet theory that insects will be used to colonize deep space and that future insect evolution may occur very far from the earth (probably for the best).

I found this book giving me many ideas for horror stories. Because the translation of insect behavior to the human realm makes for some very astonishing images (see Kafka, Dahl, et al.)

And then there's this: https://www.tor.com/2017/11/28/5-work...

[Panthea · Rating 3 out of 5]

البته من ترجمه فارسی رو خوندم، ترجمه ی دکتر فتح الله فتحی آذربایجانی
ولی کلن کتاب خسته کننده ای بود، بیشتر به درد منبع درسی و شب امتحان میخورد، نه مطالعه آزاد

[Taco Banana · Rating 4 out of 5]

On boning up on some bug-related queries, I picked up this textbook and read it through. Quickly, the time difference (1978 edition) proved an entertaining sub-conquest of general bug factoids.
My favorite part (which couldn't possibly exist in many later editions) is the noting of the miraculous insecticide DDT and how it saved the world's crops and killed a bunch of malaria carriers. Reading the information from such a backward view is mega interesting.
I have no idea if this textbook has the goods when it comes to information. I got what I wanted (mostly tidbits about attraction, communication, tendencies and feeding) and more thanks to the fun time-travel effect the dated ideals carried along.

[Hasynow · Rating 1 out of 5]

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[Siti Fatimah]

i need this book