Systematics of Old World Odontacolus Kieffer s.l. (Hymenoptera, Platygastridae s.l.): parasitoids of spider eggs
Systematics of Old World Odontacolus Kieffer s.l. (Hymenoptera, Platygastridae s.l.): parasitoids of spider eggs

Author: Alejandro A.Valerio

Publisher: PenSoft Publishers LTD

Published: 2013-07-03

Total Pages: 157

ISBN-13: 954642689X

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The wasp family Platygastridae is a large group of tiny, exclusively parasitoid wasps distributed worldwide. The genera Odontacolus and Cyphacolus, belonging to this family, are among the most distinctive wasps because of the peculiar hump-like formation on the rear part of their bodies (shape linked to the ovipositor system. Despite their intriguing body shape, the generic status of these two groups has remained unclear. We currently described a 32 new Odontacolus species, providing extensive morphological phylogenetic analysis of Odontacolus and Cyphacolus, these previously understudied genera. Previously considered to be relatively rare based on material available in collections, recent intensive collecting using Malaise and yellow-pan traps has revealed that some species of Odontacolus are moderately common, leading to the description of 32 species from across Africa, Australia and Asia.

Parasitoid Wasps of South East Asia
Parasitoid Wasps of South East Asia

Author: Buntika A. Butcher

Publisher: CABI

Published: 2023-12-22

Total Pages: 494

ISBN-13: 1800620594

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Parasitoid wasps are cosmopolitan, numerous and enormously diverse with probably one million or more species worldwide, most of which occur in the moist tropics. Their ecological importance is enormous although perhaps most evident in their major roles in the control of insect pest populations. In natural ecosystems they are integral in regulating populations of a vast number of insects, and therefore are key players in terrestrial food webs. Knowledge of their biology is still very poor because the current state of taxonomy is still in its infancy in most parts of the world.In this book, we provide an overview of the more than 30 families of parasitoid wasps that occur in the 11 countries in South East Asia. Particular emphasis is given to those most commonly encountered and reared, as well as to those used in biological control programmes. Outlines of the morphology, biology, ecology and behaviour of each family, as well as of various important subfamilies are presented. The current state of taxonomy in the region is summarised. Other chapters cover basic biology, behaviour, morphological terminology, phylogeny and methods of specimen collecting, preparation and rearing with particular relevance to the tropics. Modern molecular approaches to speeding taxonomic description of hyperdiverse taxa are considered in depth. All groups are illustrated with colour photographs. This book will be of value to professional entomologists, academics, entomology students and the growing body of amateur entomologists and insect photographers.

Parasitoids in Pest Management
Parasitoids in Pest Management

Author: Omkar

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2023-03-13

Total Pages: 437

ISBN-13: 1000840549

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Pests cause economic damage to crops and stored products, while vectors are responsible for the transmission of disease-causing agents in human beings and livestock. Although the application of synthetic pesticides in agriculture has given immediate relief, it has also caused well-known side effects, leading to a general consensus among entomologists and agriculturists to shift towards other ecofriendly pest management. Insect natural enemies consisting of predators, parasitoids, and pathogens have attracted the attention of scientists across the globe. These natural enemies exist in agroecosystems and suppress the populations of pests. Parasitoids are farmers’ friends and the most successful group of natural enemies. Highly specialised in their host choice, the female parasitoid searches for a suitable host to lay eggs and larvae in, on or near the hosts. Exploiting this potency of parasitoids may yield successful results in controlling notorious pests in an ecofriendly way. This book covers information on the important biocontrol agents effective in pest suppression. It starts with insect parasitic groups followed by specific groups of parasitoids. It is hoped that the book presents a comprehensive account of beneficial parasitoirds, and will be useful to undergraduate and postgraduate students of Entomology, Biological Control, Plant Protection, Agricultural Zoology, and Zoology, besides those involved in competitive examinations and policy planning. Features: Each chapter has been written by very experienced specialists Every chapter includes Learning Objectives and Points to Remember This book offers comprehensive knowledge of parasitoids and their application in pest management in a rational way

Indian Insects
Indian Insects

Author: S Ramani

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2019-10-16

Total Pages: 473

ISBN-13: 0429592019

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Insects are the most interesting and diverse group of organisms on earth, many of which are useful as pollinators of crops and wild plants while others are useful as natural enemies keeping pestiferous insects in check. It is important to conserve these insects for our survival and for this the diversity of insect species inhabiting the different ecosystems of our country must be known. The cornerstone to studies of any kind of organismal diversity is their taxonomic identity. Even after over two and half centuries of studies, so little is known of the insect wealth of our country. It has contributions from taxonomists who have been studying Indian insects for long, this book offers up to date information on many important groups of Indian insects seeking to fill the lacuna of a long felt need for a comprehensive work on the taxonomy of Indian insects. Salient features: Provides an up-to-date taxonomy of major insect groups of India Presents identification keys with illustrations of several important groups of Indian insects Gives a new insight into why insects are so abundant Addresses fundamental questions in mechanoreception and cross kingdom interactions using insects as model systems Indian Insects: Diversity and Science is a festschrift to Professor C. A. Viraktamath, an insect taxonomist par excellence. It has been designed to cater to the needs of academicians, researchers and students who wish to identify insects collected from local environments and will be an invaluable aid for those working in the areas of systematics, ecology, behaviour, diversity and the conservation of insects.

Handbook of Australasian Biogeography
Handbook of Australasian Biogeography

Author: Malte C. Ebach

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2017-01-06

Total Pages: 1009

ISBN-13: 1315355779

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The Handbook of Australasian Biogeography is the most comprehensive overview of the biogeography of Australasian plants, fungi and animal taxa in a single volume. This volume is unique in its coverage of marine, freshwater, terrestrial, and subterranean taxa. It is an essential publication for anyone studying or researching Australasian biogeography. The book contains biogeographic reviews of all major plant, animal and fungal groups in Australasia by experts in the field, including a strong emphasis on invertebrates, algae, fungi and subterranean taxa. It discusses how Australasia is different from the rest of the world and what other areas share its history and biota.

A Rich and Diverse Fauna
A Rich and Diverse Fauna

Author: Murray S. Upton

Publisher:

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 416

ISBN-13:

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This is a comprehensive account of the formation of CSIRO Entomology and the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC), and covering the growth of the collection over its first 65 years. The book deals with the difficulties facing the establishment of research in Australia in the 1920s due to the scarcity of adequately trained staff a nd it shows how Robin John Tillyard laid the foundations of the Division of Economic Entomology.

A revision of the Chinese Stephanidae (Hymenoptera, Stephanoidea)
A revision of the Chinese Stephanidae (Hymenoptera, Stephanoidea)

Author: Chun-dan Hong

Publisher: PenSoft Publishers LTD

Published: 2011-06-21

Total Pages: 116

ISBN-13: 9546425966

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Stephanidae Leach, 1815 (Hymenoptera: Stephanoidea) is an imperfectly known family in its systematics and many types have never been studied since their descriptions. At present 345 extant species are recorded worldwide, and only twenty species in five genera are known from six provinces of China. An extensive review of previously published literatures and previously unidentified specimens referred to Stephanidae results in taxonomic revision of the family from China. This monograph includes identification of six new species, establishment of nine new synonyms and designation of one lectotype. Descriptions and illustrations of all Chinese species are provided and keys to five genera from China and their species are made. The results of this monograph clarify some taxonomic confusion, richen the geographical distributions of Stephanidae in China and provide facilities for further research in Chinese Stephanidae.