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