Vector biology has become a fast moving field. Spurred on by the recent exciting advances in the molecular biology, genomics and latterly proteomics of vector insects and their pathogens, researchers are using new approaches and our knowledge is rapidly increasing. The second edition of this volume very much reflects these advances. The editor, William Marquardt, has assembled a team of section editors to oversee the production of 57 short chapters, divided into 7 parts. With a few exceptions, these experts are drawn from the USA, a reflection no doubt of the history of the first edition which was produced to accompany the Biology of Vector Disease course, given at Colorado State University. The text is aimed at post-graduate and post-doctoral researchers, working in a range of areas associated with vector biology and vector-borne diseases. It provides an excellent opportunity to obtain an initial overview of a new area or to dip into a field that may be peripheral to the topic under investigation.