The first edition of this treatise, entitled Comprehensive Insect Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology and edited by Gerald A. Kerkut (see p. ix for the Dedication to Prof. Kerkut ) and Lawrence I. Gilbert, was published in 1985. The preliminary meetings regarding that 13-volume series began in 1980 and it was agreed that there would be 12 volumes ‘‘that would provide an up-to-date summary and orientation on the physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, behavior, and control of insects that would be of value to research workers, teachers, and students.’’