The Hymenoptera

This survey aims to provide an introduction for the non-specialist to the "hymenoptera" - a diverse group of insects that includes bees, ants, solitary wasps and their numerous allies (sawflies, woodwasps, gallwasps and parasitoids). The "hymenoptera" is considered by the authors one of the most important groups of animals to man, economically, biologically and aesthetically. The greater part of the book comprises a series of accounts of the various families of "hymenoptera" occurring in Britain. Each of these accounts includes a diagnosis of the taxon, comments on the size and geographical distribution of the family and a synopsis of the biology of the group. Key works for the identification of British species are listed and new keys are provided to the families and superfamilies represented in Britain. The introductory sections include essays on the natural history, biology, evolution, classification, structure and economic importance of the "hymenoptera". Although emphasis is placed on British fauna (more than 6500 recorded species), the identification keys included are of general relevance to western Europe.
Other material will also be applicable to North American and Canadian faunas. Many of the biological examples given are based on work done in North America.