As in most groups of insects, scientific research on the Chrysomelidae
began in Europe in 1758, with the description of a few genera and
species by the Scandinavian entomologists C. von Linne, I.C. Fabricius,
and others. As the 19th century dawned, many systematic entomologists
took up the study of chrysomelid beetles, together with other groups of
beetles, and many new species and genera were described from all parts
of the world. This trend has, of course, continued down to the present
time. However, researches on the Chrysomelidae did not remain restricted
to systematics, and many new lines of study have been followed,
especially in the present century, by workers who have benefitted from
the advances made in related fields of pure and applied entomology. Much
has been achieved in the study of the Chrysomelidae, as elsewhere, and
it is the aim of the present book to provide a summary and guide to
these achievements. It is also to be expected that this book will
provide a stimulus for further studies on the Chrysomelidae, so that we
can anticipate continuing progress in our knowledge and understanding of
this group through the endeavours of an ever-increasing number of
scientists. I offer my congratulations to all concerned in the
preparation of this book and my best wishes for its success.