The biology of the honey bee /

A detailed work on the biological activities of the honeybee. Winston presents these basic aspects by integrating his own knowledge with recent research studies, resulting in a clearly written and well-illustrated book. The economic value of the honeybee as a pollenator and for the production of honey and wax has been widely documented. A recent book on honey is that by Eva Crane (Honey; A Comprehensive Survey, CH, Feb '76). Following the introductory chapter on the origin and history of bees, are 12 sections; some subjects of particular significance are next building, development and nutrition, foraging, communication, orientation, chemical materials, swarming and supersedure, caste system, and a biological comparison of the temperate and tropical honeybees. A more technical volume on biology and behavior is Neurobiology and Behavior of Honeybees, ed. by Randolf Menzel and Alison Mercer (see above). Winston's book is a valuable reference source for students of all levels and for beekeepers and it will be useful to various scientists. Contains extensive references and two indexes-author and subject. Should be available in all academic libraries and is worthwhile for large public libraries.-D.M. Tuttle, University of Arizona