Behavioral Ecology of Insect Parasitoids: From Theoretical Approaches to Field Applications

Written by a team of leading international specialists, Behavioral Ecology of Insect Parasitoids examines the optimal behaviors that parasitoids exhibit in order to maximize long term offspring production. It is an essential reference for research scientists and students studying these fascinating insects or for anyone involved in using parasitoids in biological control programs.

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• Reviews topical issues, including cutting edge research on parasitoid decision making and the implications for biological control
  
• Explores applications in other fields, provides information on the latest research methods, and includes helpful case studies and statistical tools
  
• Creates a deeper understanding of the link between behavioural strategies and host mortality, resulting in more efficient selective pest management programs

“Overall, this is a fascinating volume that provides a significant contribution to the literature on parasitoid insects. It goes a long way toward providing insights into numerous aspects of parasitoid behavior and will stimulate a diversity of future projects, something that should be the goal of any such text. I highly recommend Wajnberg et al. for all of those working on the biology or evolution of parasitoids.” Palaios 2009

Éric Wajnberg is a research scientist on Behavioral Ecology at the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Sophia Antipolis, France. He is a population biologist specializing in population genetics, behavioral ecology, and statistical modeling. He is also an expert in biological control, with more than 20 years experience of working with insect parasitoids.

Carlos Bernstein is a research scientist on Behavioral Ecology at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Villeurbanne, France. He is a parasitoid behavioral ecologist whose main center of interest is to enquire how individual behavior translates into population processes. He leads a multidisciplinary research group that combines theoretical research and mathematical modeling with field and laboratory experimentation.

Jacques van Alphen is a professor of Animal Ecology at the University of Leiden, The Netherlands. He is an expert in the behavioral ecology and life-history evolution of parasitoids. His current research is conducted on four host-parasitoid systems at the University of Leiden.