Cockroaches Ecology, Behavior, and Natural History

Cockroaches: Ecology, Behavior, and Natural History
William J. Bell, Louis M. Roth, Christine A. Nalepa, Edward O. Wilson
1st edition
248 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0801886164
ISBN-10: 0801886163

The cockroach is truly an evolutionary wonder. This definitive volume provides a complete overview of suborder Blattaria, highlighting the diversity of these amazing insects in their natural environments. Beginning with a foreword by Edward O. Wilson, the book explores the fascinating natural history and behavior of cockroaches, describing their various colors, sizes, and shapes, as well as how they move on land, in water, and through the air. In addition to habitat use, diet, reproduction, and behavior, Cockroaches covers aspects of cockroach biology, such as the relationship between cockroaches and microbes, termites as social cockroaches, and the ecological impact of the suborder.
With over 100 illustrations, an expanded glossary, and an invaluable set of references, this work is destined to become the classic book on the Blattaria. Students and research entomologists can mine each chapter for new ideas, new perspectives, and new directions for future study.



Table of Contents

Foreword, by Edward O. Wilson ix
Preface xi

1 Shape, Color, and Size 1

2 Locomotion: Ground, Water, and Air 17
3 Habitats 37

4 Diets and Foraging 61
5 Microbes: The Unseen Influence 76
6 Mating Strategies 89
7 Reproduction 116
8 Social Behavior 131
9 Termites as Social Cockroaches 150
10 Ecological Impact 165

Appendix 177
Glossary 179
References 183
Index 225