Social Insects V3

Social Insects, Volume III emphasizes the insect symbionts that represent a very complex group of organisms with very diverse habits. This volume primarily focuses on various types of bees and their sociality. This book consists of four major chapters where the first chapter represents the conclusion of discussion on social insect phenomena. The three remaining chapters discuss in detail the biology of the featured eusocial insects. Chapter 1 includes a discussion on insects and other arthropods. The following chapters focus on various types of bee, including bumble bees, honey bees, and stingless bees. Chapter 2 focuses on the behavior and ecology of bumble bees, whereas Chapters 3 and 4 discuss in detail the different biological aspects of honey and stingless bees, respectively. Topics include the evolution of sociality, colony, caste differentiation, and distribution of these species. Students and researchers interested in the study of bees will find this book very valuable.

List of Contributors

Preface

Contents of Other Volumes

1. The Social Insects' Bestiary

I. Introduction

II. Arthropods Other Than Insects

III. Insects

IV. General Considerations

References

2. Behavior and Ecology of Bumble Bees

I. Introduction

II. The Nest

III. Foraging

IV. Reproductive Behavior

V. Hibernation

VI. Comparison with Bees of Different Levels of Social Organization

VII. Economic Importance of Bumble Bees

References

3. Honey Bees

I. Introduction

II. Evolution of Sociality in Honey Bees

III. Origin of the Honey Bee

IV. Characteristics of Honey Bee Races

V. Geographic Distribution of Honey Bee Races

VI. The Honey Bee Colony

VII. Types of Individuals in a Colony

VIII. Developmental Period of European Bees

IX. Caste Differentiation in Honey Bees

X. Activities of Honey Bees

XI. Nutritional Requirements of Adult Honey Bees

XII. Foraging Responses of Honey Bees

References

4. Stingless Bees

I. Introduction

II. Systematics and Distribution

III. Nesting Habits

IV. Castes

V. Multiplication and Succession of Colonies

VI. Task Allocation for Colony Maintenance

VII. Oviposition and Brood Rearing

VIII. Worker Ovipositions

IX. Concluding Remarks

References

Species Index

Subject Index