Introduction to Comparative Entomology

INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE ENTOMOLOGY. By Richard M. Fox and Jean Walker Fox. New York, Reinhold Publishing Corp., 1964. xiv, 450 pp. $9.50. This textbook of entomology is a unique and valuable contribution to the literature in the field of comparative invertebrate zoology. Comparison of insects, myriapods, and arachnoids as animals is emphasized-a feature seldom given attention in introductory entomology texts. Comparative morphology, physiology, embryology, and evolution are particularly stressed because the authors believe these subjects are necessary for a sound foundation for advanced work in entomology. By electing to treat insects, myriapods, and arachnoids together on a broad zoological basis, the authors have contributed a great deal to the standardization of terminology currently used by specialists in these groups of arthropods. However, the treatment of subject matter presupposes a knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and embryology which a beginning student may lack. The authors maintain an academic presentation of the material and omit discussion of various aspects of applied entomology. There are neither keys for the classification of insects nor information on insecticides; however, an ample list of selected topical references is supplied for the reader who wishes such specific information. There are about 300 excellent figures, many of them original, that are carefully selected or designed to aid the reader in understanding difficult concepts and in relating them to observations in the laboratory. Where illustrations have been borrowed from published references, the sources are cited in the bibliography, but all have been redrawn and sometimes reinterpreted to adapt them to the comparative presentation of the subject matter. Despite the technical nature of this book, it is very readable and an up-to-date reference of considerable value. ROBERT C. WALLIS