Caterpillars are excellent model organisms for understanding how
multiple selective forces shape the ecology and evolution of insects,
and organisms in general. Recent research using the tools of modern
molecular biology, genetics, metabolomics, microbial ecology,
experiments conducted at a global level, network analysis, and
statistical analyses of global data sets, combined with basic natural
history, are yielding exciting new insights into caterpillar adaptations
and ecology. The best way to view these research advances is within a
framework of tri-trophic interactions. This is a timely topic for
research given the central role of caterpillars and plants in the
ecology and trophic structure of terrestrial communities. This book is
unique in that it contains chapters from a team of experts on a
diversity of key topics within caterpillar-plant interactions. This
volume brings together contributions by researchers from around the
globe, working in both tropical and temperate habitats, and in
human-managed and more natural habitats. It is a significant
contribution to our understanding of insect biology, and the role that
insects, as represented by caterpillars, play in a world increasingly
dominated by humans and one in which threats to insect biodiversity are
mounting.
Chapter 11 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution
4.0 International License via link.springer.com.
The Natural History of Caterpillar-Ant Associations" is available open
access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
via link.springer.com.
