Insect Hydrocarbons: Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemical Ecology

Cambridge University Press
Edition: Illustrated, 2/4/2010
EAN 9780521898140, ISBN10: 0521898145

Hardcover, 506 pages, 25.4 x 18 x 3 cm
Language: English

A unique and critical analysis of the wealth of research conducted on the biology, biochemistry and chemical ecology of the rapidly growing field of insect cuticular hydrocarbons. Authored by leading experts in their respective fields, the twenty chapters show the complexity that has been discovered in the nature and role of hydrocarbons in entomology. Covers, in great depth, aspects of chemistry (structures, qualitative and quantitative analysis), biochemistry (biosynthesis, molecular biology, genetics, evolution), physiology, taxonomy, and ecology. Clearly presents to the reader the array of data, ideas, insights and historical disagreements that have been accumulated during the past half century. An emphasis is placed on the role of insect hydrocarbons in chemical communication, especially among the social insects. Includes the first review on the chemical synthesis of insect hydrocarbons. The material presented is a major resource for current researchers and a source of ideas for new researchers.

Part 1. Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physiology
1. Introduction
History and overview of insect hydrocarbons Gary J. Blomquist and Anne-Geneviève Bagnères
2. Structure and analysis of insect hydrocarbons Gary J. Blomquist
3. Biosynthesis of cuticular hydrocarbon Gary J. Blomquist
4. Molecular biology and genetics of hydrocarbon production Claude Wicker-Thomas and Thomas Chertemps
5. Site of synthesis, mechanism of transport and selective deposition of hydrocarbons Anne-Geneviève Bagnères and Gary J. Blomquist
6. Cuticular and water balance Allen Gibbs and Subhash Rajpurohit
7. Chemical taxonomy with hydrocarbons Anne-Geneviève Bagnères and Claude Wicker-Thomas
8. Chemical synthesis of insect cuticular hydrocarbons Jocelyn Millar
9. Oxygenated derivatives of hydrocarbons James S. Buckner
Part II. Chemical Communication
10. Perception and olfaction of cuticular compounds Mamiko Ozaki and Ayako Wada-Katsumata
11. Nestmate recognition in social insects and the role of hydrocarbons. Jelle S. van Zweden and Patrizia d'Ettorre
12. Cuticular hydrocarbon cues in the formation and maintenance of insect social groups Michael Green
13. Hydrocarbon profiles indicate fertility and dominance status in ant, bee, and wasp colonies Juergen Liebig
14. Chemical deception/mimicry using cuticular hydrocarbons Anne-Geneviève Bagnères and Cristina Lorenzi
15. Behavioral and evolutionary roles of cuticular hydrocarbons in Diptera Jean-François Ferveur and Matthew Cobb
16. Contact recognition pheromones in scorpions and spiders Marie Trabalon and Anne-Geneviève Bagnères
17. Hydrocarbons as contact pheromones of longhorned beetles Matthew D. Ginzel
18. Polyene hydrocarbons, epoxides, and related compounds as components of lepidopteran pheromone blends Jocelyn Millar
19. Volatile hydrocarbon pheromones from beetles Robert Bartelt
20. New areas of research on insect hydrocarbons and conclusion Abraham Hefetz, Claude Wicker-Thomas and Anne-Geneviève Bagnères.