Insect Physiology and Biochemistry (3^rd Ed.)

Employing the clear, student-friendly style that made previous editions so popular, Insect Physiology and Biochemistry, Third Edition presents an engaging and authoritative guide to the latest findings in the dynamic field of insect physiology. The book supplies a comprehensive picture of the current state of the function, development, and reproduction of insects. Expanded and updated, this third edition continues to challenge conventional entomological wisdom with the latest research and analytical interpretations. It will appeal to undergraduate and graduate students and to working scientists in the biological sciences who need to possess a firm knowledge of the broad principles of insect physiology.

See What?s New in the Third Edition:

• New chapters covering biological rhythms and insect symbioses
• Adds references from the last several years to bring each chapter up to date
• Provides new review and self-study questions that aid in distinguishing the most important information and concepts
• References to websites where illustrative materials have been provided by scientists and contains approximately 2,600 citations
• Twenty-four pages of color illustrations with new illustrations that emphasize genetic and molecular developments in insect biology
• Update of the rapidly developing area of postembryonic development of insects, especially the role of the juvenile hormone in insect development

While this edition provides new information and significant updates, it also maintains all the features that made previous editions so popular, such as citations that enable you to get to the primary literature easily and understand the thinking, experimentation, and techniques that have enabled the current understanding of the physiology of insects. And clear writing with technical terms explained in the text where they occur. With more than 250 illustrations to help explain physiological concepts and important anatomical details, the book remains the most easily accessible guide to key concepts in the field.

Embryogenesis
Chapter Preview
Introduction
Morphogenesis
Genetic Control of Embryogenesis
Segmentation Genes
Homeotic Genes
Organogenesis
Hatching
Imaginal Discs
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Digestion
Chapter Preview
Introduction
Relationships between Food Habits and Gut Structure and Function
Major Structural Regions of the Gut
Midgut Cell Types
Microvilli or Brush Border of Midgut Cells
Glycocalyx
Peritrophic Matrix
Digestive Enzymes
Hormonal Influence on Midgut
Countercurrent Circulation of Midgut Contents and Absorption of Digested Products
Transepithelial and Oxidation–Reduction Potential of the Gut
Gut pH
Hematophagy: Feeding on Vertebrate Blood
Digestive System Morphology and Physiology in Major Insect Orders
Insect Gut as a Potential Target for Population Management and Control of theSpread of Plant and Animal Disease Organisms
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Nutrition
Preview
Introduction
Importance of Balance in Nutritional Components
Ability of Insects to Self-Select Nutritional Components
Requirements for Specific Nutrients
Techniques and Dietary Terms Used in Insect Nutrition Studies
Criteria for Evaluating Nutritional Quality of a Diet
Measures of Food Intake and Utilization
Phagostimulants
Feeding Deterrents
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Integument and Molting
Preview
Introduction
Structure of the Integument
Molting and Formation of New Cuticle
Ecdysis
Chemical Composition of Cuticle
Mineralization of Insect Cuticles
Capture of Atmospheric Water on Cuticular Surfaces
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Hormones and Development
Preview
Introduction
Historical Beginnings for the Concept of Hormonal Control of Moltingand Metamorphosis
Interplay of PTTH, Ecdysteroids, and Juvenile Hormone Control Development
Brain Neurosecretory Cells and Prothoracicotropic Hormone
Prothoracic Glands and Ecdysteroids
Corpora Allata and Juvenile Hormones
Mode of Action of Ecdysteroids at the Gene Level
Possible Timer Gene in the Molting Process
Ecdysone–Gene Interaction Ideas Stimulated Vertebrate Work
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
New! Biological Rhythms
Preview
Introduction
Characteristics of Circadian and Photoperiodic Rhythms
Molecular Basis for the Circadian Clock
Evidence for Clock Genes in Many Insects
Examples of Circadian Functions in Insects
Photoperiodic Response: One Clock, Two Clocks, or Multiple Clocks?
Clock Models Based on Experimental Responses of Insects to VaryingLight/Dark Regimes
Conclusions
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Diapause
Preview
Introduction
Diapause: A Survival Strategy
Phases of Diapause
Hormonal Control of Diapause
Role of Daily and Seasonal Biological Clocks in Diapause
Diapause and Gene Expression
Nutrient Accumulation for Diapause and the Storage and Conservation of Nutrientsduring Diapause
Molecular Studies of Diapause
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Intermediary Metabolism
Preview
Introduction: Nutrient Stores—The Fat Body
Energy Demands for Insect Flight
Metabolic Stores
Hormones Controlling Carbohydrate Metabolism
Pathways of Metabolism Supporting Intense Muscular Activity, Such as Flight
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Neuroanatomy
Preview
Introduction
Central Nervous System
Brain
Ventral Ganglia
Oxygen and Glucose Supply to the Brain and Ganglia
Neuropil
Hemolymph–Brain (CNS) Barrier
Neurons: Building Blocks of a Nervous System
Giant Axons in the Insect Central Nervous System
Nervous System Control of Behavior: Motor Programs
Neurosecretory Cells (NSC) and Neurosecretion Products from the CNS
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Neurophysiology
Preview
Introduction
Nerve Cell Responses to Stimuli
Physiological Basis for Neuronal Responses to Stimuli
Conduction of the Action Potential: Local Circuit Theory
Physiology and Biochemistry at the Synapse: Excitatory and Inhibitory PostsynapticPotentials
Acetylcholine-Mediated Synapses
Electric Transmission across Synapses
Neuromuscular Junctions
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Muscles
Preview
Introduction
Basic Muscle Structure and Function
Synchronous and Asynchronous Muscles
Muscle Proteins and Physiology of Contraction
Muscles Involved in General Locomotion, Running, and Jumping
Sound Production: Tymbal and Stridulatory Muscle
Morphology and Physiology of Nonskeletal Muscle
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Insect Flight
Preview
Introduction
Thoracic Structure, Wing Hinges, and Muscle Groups Involved in Flight
Wing Strokes
Multiple Contractions from Each Volley of Nerve Impulses to Asynchronous Muscles
Flight in Dragonflies and Damselflies
Aerodynamics of Lift and Drag Forces Produced by Wings
Hovering Flight
Control of Pitch and Twisting of Wings
Power Output of Flight Muscles
Metabolic Activity of Wing Muscles
Flight Behavior
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Sensory Systems
Preview
Introduction
External and Internal Receptors Monitoring the Environment
General Functional Classification of Sensory Receptors
Mechanoreceptors
Chemoreceptors
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Vision
Preview
Introduction
Compound Eye Structure
Dioptric Structures
Corneal Layering
Retinula Cells
Rhabdomeres
Electrical Activity of Retinula Cells
Neural Connections in the Optic Lobe
Ocelli
Larval Eyes: Stemmata
Dermal Light Sense
Chemistry of Insect Vision
Visual Cascade
Regulation of the Visual Cascade
Color Vision
Vision Is Important in Behavior
Nutritional Need for Carotenoids in Insects
Detection of Plane-Polarized Light
Visual Acuity
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Circulatory System
Preview
Introduction: Embryonic Development of the Circulatory System and Hemocytes
Dorsal Vessel: Heart and Aorta
Accessory Pulsatile Hearts
Hemocytes
Hemolymph
Rate of Circulation
Hemoglobin
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Immunity
Preview
Introduction
Physical Barriers to Invasion
Cellular Immune Reactions
Recognition of Nonself
Synthesis of Antifungal and Antibacterial Peptides
Toll Pathway for Synthesis of Antimicrobial Peptides
IMD Pathway for Synthesis of Antimicrobial Peptides
C-Type Lectins
Serpins
Ecology, Behavior, and Immunity
Cost of Defense
Coevolutionary Race between Parasitoid Escape Mechanisms and Host DefenseMechanisms
Autoimmune Consequences of Some Defense Reactions
Gender Differences in Immune Responses
Conclusions
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Respiration
Preview
Introduction
Structure of the Tracheal System
Tracheal Supply to Tissues and Organs
Ventilation and Diffusion of Gases within the System
Discontinuous Gas Exchange
Water Balance during Flight
Gas Exchange in Aquatic Insects
Respiration in Endoparasitic Insects
Respiratory Pigments
Respiration in Eggs and Developing Embryos
Nonrespiratory Functions of the Tracheal System
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Excretion
Preview
Introduction
Malpighian Tubules
Malpighian Tubule Cells
Formation of Primary Urine in Malpighian Tubules
Proton Pump as a Driving Mechanism for Urine Formation and Homeostasis
Selective Reabsorption in the Hindgut
Role of the Excretory System in Maintaining Homeostasis
Cryptonephridial Systems
Self-Study and Review Questions
References
Semiochemicals
Preview
Introduction
Classes of Semiochemicals
Importance of the Olfactory Sense in Insects
Active Space Concept
Pheromones Classified according to Behavior Elicited
Pheromone Parsimony
Chemical Characteristics of Semiochemicals
Insect Receptors and the Detection Process
Information Coding and Processing
Hormonal Control of Pheromone Synthesis and Release
Biosynthesis of Pheromones
Geographical and Population Differences and Evolution of Pheromone Blends
Practical Applications of Pheromones
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Reproduction
Preview
Introduction
Female Reproductive System
Vitellogenins and Yolk Proteins
Sequestering of Vitellogenins and Yolk Proteins by Oocytes
Formation of the Vitelline Membrane
Chorion
Gas Exchange in Eggs
Male Reproductive System
Gender Determination
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
New! Insect Symbioses
Preview
Introduction
Symbioses among Leaf-Cutting Ants, Fungi, and Bacteria
Biology of Termites
Bark and Ambrosia Beetles and Their Symbionts
Buchnera in Aphids
Tsetse Fly Symbionts
Wolbachia
Review and Self-Study Questions
References
Index

James L. Nation, Sr. Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of entomology at the University of Florida, Gainesville. He holds a B.S. degree in entomology from Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, and a Ph.D. in entomology from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. His special interest in entomology is the physiology and biochemistry of insects. Prior to retirement in 2003, he taught and conducted research at the University of Florida for 43 years. Research activities included work in insect excretion, pheromones, cuticular hydrocarbons, and insect nutrition. He served as an associate editor of Florida Entomologist from 1967 to 1969, as an editor of Journal of Chemical Ecology from 1994 to 2000, and as editor of Florida Entomologist from 2004 to 2010.