Armored Scale Insects: Their Biology, Natural Enemies and Control

This volume presents an up-to-date account of armored scale insects (Homoptera: Diaspididas), a family of highly specialized insects, many of which are important agricultural pests. Being sedentary, colonial and rather cryptic, many species have invaded new countries with important host plants. This has made them prime targets for biological control by natural enemies.

No other book has attempted to present such a rounded picture of this important group. It covers all aspects: morphology, systematics, phylogeny, biology, ecology, natural enemies (pathogens, predators, parasites), pest status, control measures (quarantine, eradication, monitoring, chemical control, biological control, mechanical control, integrated control), as well as pest problems and control on specific crops, from a worldwide perspective.

The armored scale insects: their morphology, systematics and phylogeny; reproductive biology and genetics; development biology and physiology; ecology; and techiques for their study is handled in Volume A.

The book is intended for a broad audience: professional entomologists, extension specialists, pest control operators and advanced horticulturists and agriculturists, as well as biologists, naturalists and environmentalists (the latter should find the strong emphasis on natural enemies and biological control of interest).

This book will appeal to all serious students of armoured scale insects, whether their specialities are taxonomy, ecology or control. The editor notes in his Preface that he aims to present an up to date, overall coverage of all aspects of armoured scale research. In my view, he and his contributors have succeeded admirably. I recommend this book highly, and look forward to forthcoming volumes in the series.
Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa