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HODEK I., VAN EMDEN H.F. & HONEK A. (eds): ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR OF THE LADYBIRD BEETLES (COCCINELLIDAE). Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, 2012, 561 pp. ISBN 978-1-4051-8422-9. Price GBP 120.00, EUR 143.50.
This book of 561 pages explores the amazing world of coccinellids, also known as ladybirds, ladybugs or lady beetles, and will appeal to both professional entomologists and amateurs. The important role played by coccinellids in biological control is chronologized since the successful introduction of the vedalia beetle, Rodolia cardinalis, into Californian citrus orchards in 1888-89, to control cottony cushion scale. The vedalia beetle saved the California citrus industry and has since been exported to many other parts of the world with equally successful results. For this reason, the ladybird has become an iconic symbol of classic biological control.
Aside from their practical uses in biological control, including augmentation and conservation, the Coccinellidae are a very important group in ecology and are often used as a model systems in biology classsrooms and in many entomological studies. All scientists involved in applied ecology and pest control sooner or later need to deal with ladybugs and these insects are studied worldwide by many research groups. Also, because of their attractive appearance and public appeal, many amateurs collect and study them.
Although there are a...