Insect Pheromone Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

A valuable new reference on insect behavior, this exceptional new text delves into the primary sensory communication system used by most insects -- their sense of smell. Insect Pheromone Biochemistry and Molecular Biology covers how insects produce pheromones and how they detect pheromones and plant volatiles. Since insects rely on pheromone detection for both feeding and breeding, a better understanding of insect olfaction and pheromone biosynthesis could help curb the behavior of pests without the use of harmful pesticides and even help to reduce the socio-economic impacts associated to human-insect interactions.

• Covers biochemistry and molecular biology of insect pheromone production
• Explains pheromone production in moths, beetles, flies, and social insects
• Describes pheromone and plant volatile reception