The Biology of Millipedes

by Stephen P. Hopkin, Helen J. Read

Overview

Millipedes are commonly found in the leaf litter fauna of most terrestrial environments where they play an essential ecological role. The Biology of Millipedes is the first single-volume review of this important group and covers their evolution, ecology, behavior, and physiology. The book is essential reading for terrestrial ecologists, zoologists, and students taking courses in invertebrate biology. Introductory chapters consider millipede taxonomy and phylogeny, basic anatomy, locomotion, and ecomorphology. Later chapters review feeding and digestion, metabolism, nerves, and neurosecretion, together with all aspects of millipede development. In the final chapters, special attention is paid to defenses against predators, the importance of millipedes in decomposition processes, and their role as pests. The authors provide an extremely comprehensive bibliography of research papers and other literature.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198576990
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	07/30/1992
Pages:	246
Product dimensions:	6.37(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

University of Reading

the Corporation of London at Burnham Beeches

Table of Contents

1. General Introduction2. Taxonomy, Evolution and Zoogeography3. Basic Anatomy, Locomotion and Ecomorphology4. Feeding and Digestion5. Metabolism, Excretion and Water Balance6. Nervous, Sensory and Neurosecretory Systems7. Gametogenesis and Fertilization8. Development, Moulting and Life Histories9. Predators, Parasites and Defence10. Ecology

Editorial Reviews

"Hopkin and Read have written a superb and much needed general introductory book on millipedes. The figures are informative, detailed, and well integrated with the text. The authors' writing style is straightforward, thorough, and even. The printing and binding of the text are excellent; the references extensive and contemporary. All in all, an important text that should be in the libraries of colleges and universities with undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, biology, entomology, and natural history." —Choice

"If you are interested in rearing millipedes, this book has lots of basic and applied information that will allow you to better understand the biological requirements of these fascinating arthropods."—Young Entomologists' Society

From the Publisher