This book analyzes for the first time how parasites shape the biology of
social insects: the ants, wasps, bees, and termites. Paul Schmid-Hempel
provides an overview of the existing knowledge of parasites in social
insects. Current ideas are evaluated using a broad database, and the
role of parasites for the evolution and maintenance of the social
organization and biology of insects is carefully scrutinized. In
addition, the author develops new insights, especially in his
examination of the intricate relationships between parasites and their
social hosts through the rigorous use of evolutionary and ecological
concepts. This work will appeal not only to practitioners in the fields
of behavioral ecology and sociobiology, but also to others interested in
host-parasite relationships or in social organisms, such as
apiculturists struggling to overcome the problems arising from mite
infestations of honeybee colonies.