The Biology of Hoverflies

Compiled over many years by Professor Francis Gilbert, this landmark volume summarizes what is known about the biology and ecology of the hoverflies (Syrphidae), a group of true flies (Diptera) and the only insect group involved in the major delivery of two different ecosystem services (pollination and aphid biocontrol). This remarkable work collates the known information from about 11,000 publications in 34 languages, and is a major contribution to the literature which will facilitate much future work for many years to come. The book is organized around the great biological themes of structure and function, feeding, development and movement, reproduction, mortality and its consequences, populations and communities, and the delivery of ecosystem services. Ideas about the phylogeny of the hoverflies are described and used to interpret their biology. The book outlines how the study of hoverflies has played important roles in the development of ideas about the aerodynamics of insect flight and about the evolution of mimicry, amongst other fields of biology. It is aimed at researchers – academics, postgraduates, professional and non-professional entomologists of all kinds – and other experts and interested readers.