Fully revised, this fifth edition opens with a chapter concerning the popular side of insect studies, including insects in citizen science, zoos and butterfly houses, and insects as food for humans and animals. Key features of insect structure, function, behaviour, ecology and classification are integrated with appropriate molecular studies. Much of the book is organized around major biological themes: living on the ground, in water, on plants, in colonies, and as predators, parasites/parasitoids and prey insects. A strong evolutionary theme is maintained throughout.
“Overall I am delighted to see that the 5th edition of this textbook has retained the format and style that so attracted me to entomology some 20 years ago. At the same time, each edition, and the 5th edition is no exception in this, has responded to developments in technology and concerns that drive the field of entomology. I am delighted to see that I will have no hesitation in recommending the latest edition of this textbook to our students.” (Antenna, 1 January 2015) “Penny Gullan and Peter Cranston have recently produced a revised fifth version of their text, maintaining much of the structure and style of the former editions, but significantly updating the information and adding a chapter on human-mediated changes in insect distributions; i.e. global climate change, globalized commerce, and invasive insects. . . The book is supported by a companion website that includes Powerpoint versions of all illustrations and PDFs of all tables, thereby aiding lecture development. By significantly updating the information presented in the book, the authors amply illustrate the dynamic nature of Entomology. Insects can capture the imagination of new students, but showing those students that Entomology can sustain an exciting life is the means to recruit the ablest minds to our discipline. This book is an excellent ambassador to that pursuit.” (Cornell University Insect Collection, 8 December 2014) "Gullan and Cranston’s fifth edition is a textbook that should be on every entomologist’s shelf. I also highly recommend this exemplary book to instructors teaching insect biology and related courses, and any student interested in the life sciences. The remarkable range of content, coupled with the resources to support learning,is exceptional. It is a comprehensive introduction to insect science that keeps the pace with a dynamic, diverse, and fast-moving field." (American Entomologist 2016)