In 1992, the decision was made to publish a multiauthor textbook based on the course, The Biology of Disease Vectors, because [it] was unique and that much of the information presented would be valuable to those who could not attend. The volume follows much the same pattern of exposition as the lecture portion of the course but has been considerably expanded. It includes:

*basic knowledge of arthropods of medical and veterinary importance
*epidemiology, development, physiology, feeding, and metabolism, especially as they pertain to vectors
*population biology and genetics; and methods of surveillance and control

The emphasis has been on cutting-edge molecular biological approaches that illuminate the difficult problems facing vector biologists. This book complements rather than replaces other medical entomology textbooks. When we began, we hoped to produce a landmark textbook in vector biology. We have tapped the talents of 45 investigators and leaders in vector biology.