Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3238733 in Books
• Published on: 1999-04-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 829 pages

Synopsis
Among the most ancient and powerful of insects, dragonflies fascinate scientists and non-specialists in part because they are large enough for the behaviour of individual insects to be observed and interpreted. So much useful information exists about dragonflies that they serve as valuable models for interpreting the behaviour and ecology of other taxa. This volume provides a comprehensive, critical review of past and current knowledge - both published and unpublished - about species from all biogeographical regions in both functional and evolutionary contexts. The volume emphasizes the diversity found in dragonfly behaviour as well as unifying patterns. It describes the behavioural strategies that influence the fitness of individuals in physical and biotic environments and in all stages of the life cycle, and identifies the biological principles reflected in those strategies.

The book also examines behaviour associated with processes suchy as habitat selection, foraging, seasonal regulation, migration, territoriality, mating and sperm competition, emphasizing the interdependence of all developmental stages as well as relationships among dragonflies and other animals, including humans.