Insect parasitoids are a fascinating group of animals in many respects. Perhaps the most fascinating point is that these insects, in the course of the evolutionary time, have developed an impressive way to use chemical compounds to dialogue with the different protagonists of their environment (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 insects and especially on how to improve their use for the control of noxious pests in biological control programmes.

Chemical Ecology of Insect Parasitoids is a timely publication, with organised chapters to present the most important knowledge and discoveries that have taken place over the last decade, and their potential use in pest control strategy. Specific relevant case studies are presented to enhance the reader's experience.

Suited to graduate students and professional researchers and practitioners in pest management, entomology, evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, and chemical ecology, this book is essential for anyone needing information on this important group of insects.

• Cover 2
• Title page 6
• Copyright page 7
• Contents 8
• Contributors 14
• 1: Chemical ecology of insect parasitoids: towards a new era 20
  • 1.1 Introduction 20
  • 1.2 Integrating behavioural ecology and chemical ecology in insect parasitoids 22
  • 1.3 The use of chemical ecology to improve the efficacy of insect parasitoids in biological control programmes 23
  • 1.4 Overview 24
  • Acknowledgements 25
  • 1.5 Conclusions 25
  • References 26
• Part 1: Basic concepts 28
  • 2: Plant defences and parasitoid chemical ecology 30