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In the course of evolution, insects have developed an almost unbelievable variety of shapes and functional sophistication. The design of their exoskeleton is so imaginative and unusual, often even bizarre, that one can only marvel. The fact that insects can find design solutions for any problem, no matter how special, makes them extremely successful. They have thus become crucial links in the complex networks of nature. Impressive macro photographs and informative scanning electron-optical images provide an insight into the wealth of forms, beauty and function of the six-legged creatures. Fascinating texts accompany the pictures and explain, among other things, how the great diving beetle uses vertebrate hormones as knock-out drops when attacked by fish, the pine moth beetle locates distant forest fires, the bombardier beetle emits pulsed explosions with its firing apparatus or the blue butterfly caterpillar glamours ants. Insects play a crucial role in the ecosystems of our planet. Man-made environmental destruction is interfering with these cycles in a sensitive way. This endangers the survival of insects, with dramatic consequences for us humans as well.
Sommario
From egg to finished insect.- Colouration and colour patterns.- Trichomes, lotus effects and adhesive structures.- Body care.- The super senses of insects.- Enemy defence and release strategies.- Insects in search of mates.- Food acquisition and prey capture.- Epilogue, almost an obituary.
Riassunto
In the course of evolution, insects have developed an almost unbelievable variety of shapes and functional sophistication. The design of their exoskeleton is so imaginative and unusual, often even bizarre, that one can only marvel. The fact that insects can find design solutions for any problem, no matter how special, makes them extremely successful. They have thus become crucial links in the complex networks of nature. Impressive macro photographs and informative scanning electron-optical images provide an insight into the wealth of forms, beauty and function of the six-legged creatures. Fascinating texts accompany the pictures and explain, among other things, how the great diving beetle uses vertebrate hormones as knock-out drops when attacked by fish, the pine moth beetle locates distant forest fires, the bombardier beetle emits pulsed explosions with its firing apparatus or the blue butterfly caterpillar glamours ants. Insects play a crucial role in the ecosystems of our planet. Man-made environmental destruction is interfering with these cycles in a sensitive way. This endangers the survival of insects, with dramatic consequences for us humans as well.
