Chemical Ecology of Insect Parasitoids

Insect parasitoids, in the course of their evolutionary history, have developed  many impressive ways to use chemical signals to communicate with and sense the different protagonists in their environments (i.e., conspecifics, their hosts and the plants on which their hosts are living). Unravelling the evolutionary meaning of such chemical communication networks can give new insights into the ecology of these important insects and especially on how to improve their use for the control of noxious pests in biological control programmes.

Written by a team of leading international specialists, the book comprehensively covers current knowledge of the chemical ecology of insect parasitoids. Chapters are organized in order to present the most significant discoveries of the last few decades, and on their potential application in pest control strategies. Specific relevant case studies are also presented. The book is intended to be accessible to a large number of potential readers from University students to senior scientists worldwide.