INSECTS and SPIDERS

Spectacularly diverse, often colorful
classes of animals, some much beloved,
that play such significant, but often
overlooked roles in our lives. Presented in
magnificent closeups with detailed texts.

INSECT-PLANT RELATIONSHIPS
Three unique topics: Plant galls caused by insects; pollination ecology--coevolution of plants and insects; and tree bark ecosys- tems. 3 pgms. 60 slides. Detailed guides.
EP #123X SLIDES
$99.95

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SAVE OVER $27.00 ON THE 3 SLIDE SET BUNDLE ORDER EP #123X........$99.95
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POLLINATION ECOLOGY Order #123..........$42.50

Details of the coevolution of insects and flowering plants, and its effect on the
diversity of flower types. Discusses pollination by wind, by nonspecific insects, and by
insects which visit only single species. The roles of flower shape, size, color and scent
in attracting particular insects are considered. Stresses ecological context in which
pollination occurs and effects of disruption (as by insecticides) of insect-flower
relationships. 20 slides and detailed guide.

CONTENT SAMPLE: 20619 Of course, it is not enough for a plant simply to attract
pollinators of specific kinds and in sufficient numbers. The plant must also ensure that pollen
transfer occurs. Most insect-pollinated angiosperms accomplish this by exposing both the
pollen-bearing anthers and the pollen-capturing stigmas (stigmata) where they will be rubbed by
an insect as it approaches the flower's nectar. Gill-over-the-ground (Glechoma hederacea), a
member of the mint family, has numerous hair-like stamens which are located at the entrance to
the flower’s central cavity, just above the petal which is used as a landing platform by pollinators.
As an insect crawls over these stamens, it gets liberally dusted with pollen which it then carries
to another similar flower. There, as it works its way into the flower, some of the pollen comes into
contact with the sticky surfaces of the stigmas which are under the edge of the top petal.

REVIEWS: "...an excellent alternative...outstanding visuals....Highly recommended."
Previews.
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PLANT GALLS CAUSED BY INSECTS Order #278........$42.50

An introduction to the interesting symbiotic relationship between plants and
gall-causing arthropods. Illustrates 2O different galls initiated by arthropods on a variety
of woody plants. Includes life cycle details, host/guest interactions, and morphological
aspects of plant galls. 2O slides and detailed guide.

CONTENT SAMPLE: 26979 Witch Hazel Cone Gall. This common and distinctive gall
is the work of an aphid that alternates host plants. These aphids produce a distinctive red or
green, conical gall on the leaves of witch hazel, then migrate to the leaves of the birch tree. On
birch leaves, however, the feeding activities of the insects do not cause a gall to form.

REVIEWS: "...covers a group of plant symptoms on which there is little specific
audiovisual material....The slides are clear, and the photography is of high quality. The
preamble...is particularly interesting in its discussion of the complex life cycles of some of the
gall formers. The producers...have succeeded admirably, making these slides a very useful
addition to a collection of slides on insects and pest control." Choice.
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THE TREE BARK ECOSYSTEM Order #129..........$42.50

A fascinating examination of a frequently overlooked ecosystem: the harsh
physical environment provided by the bark of living trees and the epiphytic community
there--bacteria, algae, fungi, flowering plants and invertebrates. Illustrates how careful
observation can reveal complex living communities in apparently desolate habitats. 2O
slides and detailed guide.

CONTENT SAMPLE: 27013 Moths and Cicadas. Moths and cicadas are among the
countless thousands of kinds of insects that visit the tree bark community. Moths (top) are
frequently colored in such a way as to blend in with the colors and textures of the bark surface,
an excellent camouflage against predators. In areas of heavy pollution, normally gray-barked
trees become blackened with pollutants, effectively eliminating this camouflage. A genetic variety
of gray moths, black in color, is able to exploit the dark-colored bark. Moth populations in
polluted areas have a far greater proportion of black moths than those in unpolluted regions.

Cicadas (bottom) are well-known for their unusual life histories. The nymphs of these
insects spend most of their lives below ground where they feed and grow. Some cicadas stay
underground for a few years before emerging, but one of the so-called "periodical" cicadas
remains in the subterranean habitat for 17 years. When they finally emerge from the soil cicada
nymphs climb up on trees and other vegetation, take firm hold, then shed their skin. The winged
adults remain in the trees to sing, mate and lay eggs in the only summer of their adulthood.
Cicadas are often seen on tree bark, as are the old, dried skins. Cicadas attract a number of
predators to the tree bark community.

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RELATED PROGRAMS WORTH NOTING
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CARNIVOROUS PLANTS Slides order #224 ..............$42.50

Some innocuous looking plants that trap and eat tiny insects or even small
rodents. Includes trapping techniques, biological niche and cultural information of some
of nature's most bizarre plants; bladderwort, butterwort, pitcher plants, venus fly trap,
sundews. 20 slides and guide.

REVIEWS: "Fine visuals...fascinating for...science students." Booklist. "Recommended."
School Library Journal.
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~0072-065~ Jumping spider. photo by R.L. Blanton.

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