Insect Sampling in Forest Ecosystems

Insect Sampling in Forest Ecosystems highlights the problems faced by entomologists working in forest ecosystems. It suggests ways in which their methodology can be modified so as to be understood by ecologists and become accepted within the general fields of ecology and entomology. Insect sampling, although firmly based on standard ecological census techniques, presents special problems that are not faced by other ecologists. With the small size, varied life cycles, rapid rates of increase, and ingenious adaptations to habitats of insects, ecological entomologists face problems that are somewhat different to those faced by vertebrate or plant ecologists. Furthermore, forest ecosystems, whether natural or manmade, present special problems to the ecologists working beneath their canopies. This book will be essential reading for advanced students and researchers as well as teachers across the whole spectrum of education.

Simon Leather is currently Reader in Applied Ecology in the Department of Biological Sciences at Imperial College’s Silwood Park campus. He has been researching the population biology of agricultural and forest pests, particularly insects, for over 25 years.