Documenting and understanding intricate ecological interactions
involving insects is a central need in conservation, and the specialised
and specific nature of many such associations is displayed in this book.
Their importance is exemplified in a broad global overview of a major
category of interactions, mutualisms, in which the interdependence of
species is essential for their mutual wellbeing. The subtleties that
sustain many mutualistic relationships are still poorly understood by
ecologists and conservation managers alike. Examples from many parts of
the world and ecological regimes demonstrate the variety of mutualisms
between insect taxa, and between insects and plants, in particular, and
their significance in planning and undertaking insect conservation - of
both individual species and the wider contexts on which they depend.
Several taxonomic groups, notably ants, lycaenid butterflies and sucking
bugs, help to demonstrate the evolution and flexibility of mutualistic
interactions, whilst fundamental processes such as pollination emphasise
the central roles of, often, highly specific partnerships. This
compilation brings together a wide range of relevant cases and contexts,
with implications for practical insect conservation and increasing
awareness of the roles of co-adaptations of behaviour and ecology as
adjuncts to designing optimal conservation plans. The three major themes
deal with the meanings and mechanisms of mutualisms, the classic
mutualisms that involve insect partners, and the environmental and
conservation lessons that flow from these and have potential to
facilitate and improve insect conservation practice. The broader
ecological perspective advances the transition from primary focus on
single species toward consequently enhancing wider ecological contexts
in which insect diversity can thrive.
