The Insects: An Outline of Entomology, 5th Edition

Abstract

The Insects: An Outline of Entomology, 5th Edition P. J. Gullan, P. S. Cranston 2014; 624 pages Wiley-Blackwell, West Sussex, UK ISBN: 978-1-118-84615-5 $99.95 (hardcover); $79.99 (e-book) ![Graphic][1] Insects are the most successful group of animals on Earth. They are critical components of nearly all ecosystems, and provide essential services to the environment. Despite the abundance, diversity, and importance of insects, relatively few introductory entomology textbooks are available, particularly those that can accommodate courses with both laboratory sections and specimen collection requirements. Last spring, I happily received a new copy of Gullan and Cranston's fifth edition of The Insects: An Outline of Entomology . Earlier versions of this hardcover textbook, dedicated to the study of insects, have been my text of choice for teaching entomology courses for the last five years, and the newest edition provides significant updates and an entirely new chapter. One of my favorite aspects of this book is its versatility. Gullan and Cranston's text is appropriate and effective for teaching introductory entomology at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is an impressive synthesis of insect biology, ecology, and systematics, yet also provides specimen preservation techniques and identification tools needed for basic laboratory exercises. The text is thoughtfully … jzaspel{at}purdue.edu [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif