Aphid Ecology An optimization approach

Abstract

In this book, the author examines the ecology of aphids, some of which are serious pests of agricultural crops and forest trees. The relationships of aphids with their food-plants, natural environment and the physical environment are considered in relation to some of the features that developed in aphids early in their evolutionary history. In particular, it is explained how the modes of feeding and reproduction of aphids have led to a close and specific association with their food-plants and affected the size of individuals and their population structure. The book is aimed particularly at specialists and postgraduates in entomology, ecology, animal reproduction and behaviour, pest biology and population biology. An introduction is followed by chapters on host selection, size in aphids, polymorphism, cyclical parthenogenesis, life-history patterns, dispersal, population dynamics, and community structure and species diversity. A list of species referred to in the text is included.