Caterpillars in the Middle: Tritrophic Interactions in a Changing World

Caterpillars are model organisms for understanding how multiple selective forces shape the ecology and evolution of insects. Recent research using modern molecular biology, genetics, metabolomics, microbial ecology, experiments conducted at a global level, network analysis, and statistical analyses of global data sets is yielding exciting new insights into caterpillar adaptations and ecology. This book is unique in that it contains chapters from a team of experts on a diversity of key topics within caterpillar-plant interactions, bringing together contributions by researchers from around the globe working in both tropical and temperate habitats and in human-managed and more natural habitats.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 642 pages
Publication date: 23 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Caterpillars are remarkable model organisms that provide valuable insights into the complex interplay of selective forces that shape the ecology and evolution of insects, as well as organisms in general. Through the application of modern molecular biology, genetics, metabolomics, microbial ecology, global-scale experiments, network analysis, and statistical analyses of large-scale data sets, coupled with fundamental natural history knowledge, researchers have gained exciting new perspectives on caterpillar adaptations and ecology.

A comprehensive understanding of these research advancements can be gained by examining them within the framework of tri-trophic interactions. This topic is particularly timely given the crucial roles that caterpillars and plants play in the ecology and trophic structure of terrestrial communities. This book stands out as a unique resource, as it comprises chapters written by a team of experts on various key topics related to caterpillar-plant interactions. These contributions originate from researchers working in diverse tropical and temperate habitats, as well as in human-managed and more natural environments.

In summary, this volume represents a substantial contribution to our understanding of insect biology and the profound role that insects, particularly caterpillars, play in a world increasingly dominated by humans and facing mounting threats to insect biodiversity. The availability of Chapter 11 under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com, and the open access of The Natural History of Caterpillar-Ant Associations via link.springer.com, ensures that these insights are accessible to a wide audience, fostering further research and conservation efforts in this field.

Weight: 1003g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030866907
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022