Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Holldobler and Wilson provide a comprehensive synthesis of ant
biology ranging from anatomy, physiology, and ecology to the
role of pheromones in influencing behavior and the social
structure of the colony. A taxonomic key allows identification
of ants worldwide. Specific chapters focus on natural history,
social organization, modes of communication, foraging
strategies, and symbiotic relationships. Other sections examine
the biology of army ants, leaf-cutting fungus growers,
harvesting ants, and weaver ants. This large-format book is
abundantly illustrated with black-and-white photographs, line
drawings, graphs, and tables. An exquisite addition to the book
is a series of full-page color plates. A 64-page bibliography
and an extensive glossary enhance the book's utility as a
reference. The Ants, destined to be a classic treatise,
continues E.O. Wilson's outstanding series of books that
includes The Insect Societies (CH, May'72) and Sociobiology (C