Description
True bugs (Heteroptera) are a diverse and complex group of plant-feeding and predatory insects important to food production, human health, the global economy and the environment. Within the nearly 43,000 species described around the world, Neotropical true bugs are particularly diverse, and much remains to be discovered about their biology and relations with other species. Inspired by the need for a comprehensive assessment, True Bugs (Heteroptera) of the Neotropics is the most complete and thorough review ever published.
Experts in each of the seven infraorders have drawn together the scattered literature to provide detailed treatments of each major taxon. The most common and important species as well as select lesser known species in each major family are covered, highlighting morphology, classification, biology and ecology. The numerous color illustrations highlight key species and their adaptations, and importance to basic and applied sciences is discussed.
Each chapter is based on an up-to-date review of the literature, and with a bibliography of more than 3,000 references, readers are presented with an unprecedented and vital and timely account of the true bugs of the Neotropical Region.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to true bugs (Heteroptera) of the neotropics.- 2. Morphology, ontogeny, reproduction, and feeding of true bugs.- 3. Classification and biogeography of Neotropical true bugs.- 4. The unique-headed bugs (Enicocephalomorpha).- 5. The minute litter bugs (Dipsocoromorpha).- 6. The semi-aquatic gerromorphans.- 7. The true water bugs (Nepomorpha).- 8. Shore bugs (Saldidae).- 9. Minute pirate bugs (Anthocoridae and Lyctocoridae).- 10. Plant bugs (Miridae).- 11. Damsel bugs (Nabidae).- 12. Assassin bugs (Reduviidae excluding Triatominae).- 13. Hematophagous bugs (Reduviidae Triatominae).- 14. Lace bugs (Tingidae).- 15. Flat bugs (Aradidae).- 16. The big-eyed bugs, chinch bugs, and seed bugs (Lygaeoidea).- 17. Cotton stainers (Pyrrhocoridae) and bordered plant bugs (Largidae).- 18. Broad-headed bugs (Alydidae).- 19. Leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae).- 20. Scentless plant bugs (Rhopalidae).- 21. Burrower bugs (Cydnidae).- 22. Stink bugs (Pentatomidae).- 23. Shield bugs (Scutelleridae).- 24. Negro bugs (Thyreocoridae).- 25. Pentatomoid families (Acanthosomatidae, Canopidae, Dinidoridae, Megarididae, Phloeidae, and Tessaratomidae)
