Description

This comprehensive work introduces the reader to the well-represented pentatomoid fauna of northeastern North America. About 120species and subspecies in five families are presently known to occur in this geographical area.

The text begins with a closely defined classification of the Pentatomoidea within the order Hemiptera. A discussion of the his­tory of the investigations of North American Pentatomoidea follows, with a list of selected faunistic surveys by state or province anda general discussion of the pentatomoid life cy­cle including overwintering stages, spring emergence and mating, oviposition and sub­sequent development to adults. Here the au­thor also considers the scent glands and the possible functions of their secretions.

This volume provides updated keys to the northeastern North American penta­tomoids, illustrations, references to revision­ary studies of families and genera, statements and maps of distribution, pertinent biologi­cal information regarding field life cycles, laboratory rearing, immature stages, host plants and prey, and parasites and predators. Unique within its field, this book was written for individuals interested in insects as well as those specializing in Hemiptera.

About the Author

J. E. McPherson is Professor of Zoology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He is the author of more than eighty scientific papers dealing with a wide range of insects.