The papers in this volume were presented at a symposium/workshop on "The Estimation and Analysis of Insect Populations" that was held at the University of Wyoming, Laramie, in January, 1988. The meeting was organized with financial support from the United States - New Zealand Cooperative Science Program and the University of Wyoming. The purpose was to bring together approximately equal numbers of quantitative biologists and biometricians in order to (1) provide a synthesis and evaluation of currently available methods for modeling and estimating parameters of insect population, and to (2) stimulate research into new methods where this is appropriate. The symposium/workshop attracted 46 participants. There were 35 papers presented in four subject areas: analysis of stage-frequency data, modeling of population dynamiCS, analysis of spatial data, and general sampling and estimation methods. New results were presented in all these areas. All except one of the papers is included in the present volume.

As an agronomist working for a chemical company in Indonesia, author Pieter Stam observed the damage insects can inflict on an agricultural crop and decided to study the science of insects, or entomology, in America. In My World of Cotton and Insects, Stam shares the story of his life. He recalls his experiences in the United States and his interactions with professors, fellow students, and his research work. During his work as an FAO specialist on integrated pest management (IPM) on cotton in the Middle East, Far East, and Africa, he faced a wide range of emotions and encounters in the midst of research, communication with national colleagues, and daily life. Although his work as a scientist has been concise and without irrelevant emotion, the feelings behind his efforts come together to form the tapestry of a life well lived. In this memoir, an entomologist whose work took him around the globe reflects on his career and travels through the years.