design in testing each experimental variable while carefully managing controlled variables. Equally striking are the social contexts of von Frisch’s work. His revolutionary use of film in both recording and presenting experimental results is detailed, emphasizing the communication of results as an important element of science. Also described in detail is the influence of the people around him. A particularly interesting point is made in the account of von Frisch’s disagreement with a fellow scientist, Carl von Hess, over color blindness in fishes and bees. This not only led to one of von Frisch’s more famous experiments, showing that bees do indeed see color, but also highlights the importance of critique in intellectual development. As the author notes, Downloaded from http://online.ucpress.edu/abt/article-pdf/81/8/592/65720/abt_2019_81_8_592a.pdf by guest on 30 September 2021

it is easy to dismiss the dispute between von Frisch and von Hess as little more than a perturbation in the path of the former’s rapidly rising star. But that would be to miss its significance at the time. The Dancing Bees: Karl von Frisch and the Indeed, it was surely not in spite Discovery of the Honeybee Language. By Tania of his disagreement with von Hess Munz. 2017. University of Chicago Press. (ISBN: but in large part because of it that The Book of Caterpillars. Edited by David G. 9780226526508). 278 pp. Paperback, $21. he enjoyed such precipitous suc- James. 2017. University of Chicago Press. (ISBN: Every biology teacher and student knows the cess in those early years of his 9780226287362). 656 pp. Hardcover, $55. three European “Fathers of Ethology” (the study career. (p. 67) For the lover of all things lepidopterous, The of animal behavior) who shared the 1973 Nobel Book of Caterpillars is a beautifully curated collec- Central to the book, and to von Frisch’s career, Prize in Physiology or Medicine: Konrad Lorenz, tion and guide to 600 species from around the are his struggles to continue scientific work in Nikolaas Tinbergen, and Karl von Frisch. The globe. Beginning with an eloquent and compre- Europe during the tumultuous years leading up work of these three early 20th-century scientists hensive general overview of caterpillars and their to and during World War II. Nazi edicts about revolutionized the study of animal behavior, mov- life cycles, the volume has enough background “non-Aryans” disrupted von Frisch’s research team ing it from an amusing pastime of gathering natural for the novice but a level of color and detail that and colleagues through both deportation and emi- history anecdotes to thoughtful design of con- even a professional scientist can appreciate. gration, and questions regarding his own ancestry trolled experiments on par with those of the “hard” Before introducing the variety of species, the challenged von Frisch as he strove to continue sciences. The Dancing Bees examines the life of von opening chapter provides a narrative introduc- the work of his institute. Some of von Frisch’stac- Frisch, the Austrian ethologist who deciphered the tion defining the caterpillar, looking at metamor- tics are questionable, including appealing to the now famous code of movements through which phosis, feeding, defenses, the relationship of Nazi focus on eugenics and disregarding atrocities honeybees communicate location and quality of caterpillars and people, and the research and as he positioned himself to continue his scientific food sources to each other. conservation efforts that are underway to protect work under the auspices of the Nazi regime – At times The Dancing Bees reads like a conven- and learn more about both moth and butterfly which he was finally able to do by focusing on tional (and somewhat unexciting) biography, with caterpillars. The closing pages of the volume the Nosema parasite threat to the bee population descriptions of birth, childhood, marriage, and include handy reference guides, including index- and the associated threat of food insecurity. early education. However, it is a worthwhile read ing by both common and scientific names and A thoughtful reader cannot help but be struck by for any biologist interested in understanding the general classification of Lepitoptera. the suffering, turbulence, and impossible choices thoughtful experimental design. The care and intel- The most brilliant contribution of the book, of the time. Through its descriptions of von lectual beauty underlying von Frisch’s experimental however, is its highly vivid and life-size (unless Frisch’s life and work during this period, The Danc- designs is evident in the author’s descriptions of specifically noted) pictures of so many butterfly ing Bees offers an important reminder that science many of his studies. Meticulous and clever, each and moth caterpillars, along with high-resolution exists within, and can be swayed by, the opportu- experiment revealed previously unknown elements magnified images. Whereas most books focus on nities and challenges of the human social world. of animal behavior and physiology. Von Frisch the final life stage, this volume highlights the cat- used both observation and training to uncover erpillar in great depth. The resulting butterflies aspects of animal behavior, including the senses of and moths are represented by small images of taste and sound in fishes; the senses of color, smell, Cate Hibbitt patterns, so as not to steal focus from the fea- and taste in bees; and, of course, the famous com- Lincoln School tured stage of the life cycle. Also included are munication dances of honeybees. Several experi- Providence, RI 02906 general overviews of the behavior of each species ments are described in detail, emphasizing clever [email protected] and its interactions with its surroundings, as well

592 THE AMERICAN BIOLOGY TEACHER VOLUME 81, NO. 6, OCTOBER 2019 as information on its habitat, range, host plants, understandings are deemed controversial by and conservation status. AMANDA L. GLAZE is an Assistant Professor of the public. Glaze holds degrees in science Middle Grades & Secondary Science Education More a reference than a book to read cover- education from the University of Alabama and at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Jacksonville State University. Her address is to-cover, this is a beautiful catalog of the Lepi- Georgia. In addition to science teacher Department of Teaching & Learning, Georgia doptera and a must-see for anyone interested in education, she has taught courses in biological Southern University, P.O. Box 8134, Statesboro, that realm. sciences for grades 7–12 and undergraduate GA 30458; e-mail: [email protected]. students over the last 13 years. Her interests include evolutionary biology, science and religion, and the intersections of science and Amanda L. Glaze society – specifically where scientific Book Reviews Editor Downloaded from http://online.ucpress.edu/abt/article-pdf/81/8/592/65720/abt_2019_81_8_592a.pdf by guest on 30 September 2021

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