The third edition of Insect Ecology: An Ecosystem Approach provides a modern perspective of insect ecology that integrates two approaches traditionally used to study insect ecology: evolutionary and ecosystem. This integration substantially broadens the scope of insect ecology and contributes to prediction and resolution of the effects of current environmental changes, as these affect and are affected by insects. The third edition includes an updated and expanded synthesis of feedback and interactions between insects and their environment. This updated material and a new chapter on applications of insect ecology to social and environmental issues effectively demonstrates how evolutionary and ecosystem approaches complement each other, with the intent of stimulating further integration of these approaches in experiments that address insect roles in ecosystems. Effective management of ecosystem resources depends on evaluation of the complex, often complementary, effects of insects on ecosystem conditions, as well as insect responses to changing conditions.

• Timely revision of a key reference on insect ecology
• Full coverage of ecosystem structure and function balanced with essential background on evolutionary aspects
• New chapter on applications to issues such as pest management, ecosystem restoration, invasive species and environmental changes
• Case studies highlight practical and theoretical applications for topics covered in each chapter

Chapter 1. Overview

SECTION I: Ecology of Individual Insects

Chapter 2. Responses to Abiotic Conditions

Chapter 3. Resource Acquisition

Chapter 4. Resource Allocation

SECTION II: Population Ecology

Chapter 5. Population Systems

Chapter 6. Population Dynamics

Chapter 7. Biogeography

SECTION III: Community Ecology

Chapter 8. Species Interactions

Chapter 9. Community Structure

Chapter 10. Community Dynamics

SECTION IV: Ecosystem Level

Chapter 11. Ecosystem Structure and Function

Chapter 12. Herbivory

Chapter 13. Pollination, Seed Predation and Seed Dispersal

Chapter 14. Decomposition and Pedogenesis

Chapter 15. Insects as Regulators of Ecosystem Processes

Section V. Applications and Synthesis

Chapter 16. Applications

Chapter 17. Synthesis

"…this edition of Insect Ecology, An Ecosystem Approach provides a thorough, up-to-date, and well-conceived treatment of the major topics in insect ecology, and is a useful resource for courses in this subject area."--American Entomologist, Spring 2013

Praise for the first edition: "Insect Ecology is remarkable for its scope, breadth, and comprehensiveness...Absolutely indispensable for graduate students, faculty, and professionals in entomology and ecology" --Choice "The book is well written and designed. It includes excellent overview and synthesis chapters, and each individual chapter ends with a concise summary. ...I recommend that students, professionals, and amateur entomologists read this excellent volume." --Ecology

"Schowalter's 2nd edition of Insect Ecology: An Ecosystem Approach is a gem - a complete course in modern ecology from the vantage point of insects in ecological systems. Accessible and engaging, yet it treats the most complex ecological phenomena from individual behavior and population processes through landscape and regional-scale issues." - Dan Simberloff, University of Tennessee "Schowalter provides a well-illustrated, comprehensive integration of population, community, and ecosystem ecology that demonstrates the global importance of insects in terrestrial and aquatic domains. Examples from temperate and tropical studies are related to a wide range of fundamental ecological concepts. The synthesis of current literature is thoroughly developed and will be widely appreciated by beginning students and established professionals." --Alan Covich, Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia

"This very stimulating book will interest entomologists and ecologists alike. Schowalter broadens the traditional scope of insect ecology to communities and ecosystems. He gives an excellent overview how insects shape ecosystem functioning, including their critical role in major trophic interactions such as decomposition, pollination, herbivory and biological control." --Teja Tscharntke, University of Göttingen, Germany

"Insect Ecology is notable for its broad scope and clear synthesis of the diverse and major roles insects play in ecosystems. Although this well-written, excellent book will be especially appealing to undergraduate and graduate students, professionals and anyone with a serious interest in insects and their critical role in ecosystems will also benefit from it. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above." --Choice