Insect Predators in Pest Management

"Pests cause economic damage to crop and stored products, while vectors are responsible for transmission of disease-causing agents in human beings and livestock. Application of synthetic pesticides in agriculture though has given immediate relief but has also caused well known side effects, leading to a 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 most successful group of natural enemies. Highly specialized in their host choice, female parasitoid searches for a suitable host to lay eggs and larvae in or 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 group of parasitoids. It is hoped that the book presents a comprehensive account of beneficial parasitoids 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 specialized senior persons. Every chapter contains Learning Objectives and Points to Remember. This book offers comprehensive knowledge of parasitoids and their application in pest management in a lucid way"-- Provided by publisher Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Preface Editor Contributors Chapter 1 Insect Predators Learning Objectives 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Order: Hemiptera 1.2.1 Family: Pentatomidae 1.2.1.1 Subfamily: Asopinae 1.2.1.2 Subfamily: Pentatominae 1.2.2 Family: Nabidae 1.2.2.1 Subfamily: Nabinae 1.2.3 Family: Anthocoridae (Pirate Bug) 1.2.3.1 Orius Insidiosus (Insidious Flower Bug) 1.2.3.2 Orius Niger 1.2.3.3 Orius Tantillus (Motschulsky) 1.2.3.4 Tetraphleps Spp. 1.2.4 Family: Geocoridae 1.2.4.1 Geocoris Ochropterus (Fieber) 1.2.4.2 Geocoris Jucundus (Fieber) 1.2.4.3 Xylocoris Spp. 1.2.5 Family: Miridae 1.2.5.1 Cyrtorhinus Lividipennis (Reuter) 1.2.5.2 Macrolophus Spp. 1.2.5.3 Nesidiocoris Tenuis 1.2.5.4 Apolygus Spinolae 1.2.5.5 Miris Striatus (British Bugs) 1.2.5.6 Blepharidopterus Angulatus (Black-Kneed Capsid) 1.2.5.7 Atractotomus Spp. 1.2.6 Family: Reduviidae 1.2.6.1 Zelus Renardii (Leafhopper Assassin Bug) 1.2.6.2 Platymeris Laevicollis (Red-Eyed Assassin Bug) 1.2.6.3 Rhynocoris Marginatus 1.2.6.4 Rhynocoris Fuscipes (Fabricius) 1.2.6.5 Rhynocoris Costalis (Stal.) 1.2.6.6 Blaptostethus Pallescens Poppius 1.2.6.7 Acanthaspis Pedestris (Stal.) 1.2.6.8 Acanthaspis Siva Distant 1.2.6.9 Cydnocoris Gilvus (Bunnester) 1.2.6.10 Endochus Inornatus Stal. 1.2.7 Family – Gerridae 1.2.7.1 Limnogonus Nitidus (Mayr.) 1.2.7.2 Neogerris Parvula (Stal.) 1.3 Order: Neuroptera (Lacewings and Allied Insects) 1.3.1 Family: Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings) 1.3.2 Family: Hemerobiidae (Brown Lacewings) 1.3.3 Family: Coniopterygidae (Powdery Lacewings) 1.3.4 Family: Mantispidae (Mantid-flies) 1.3.5 Family: Raphidiidae and Inocelliidae (Snake-flies) 1.4 Order: Coleoptera 1.4.1 Family: Carabidae (Ground Beetles) 1.4.1.1 Bembidion Spp 1.4.1.2 Calosoma Spp. 1.4.1.3 Carabus Spp. 1.4.1.4 Harpalus Spp. 1.4.1.5 Loricera Pilicornis 1.4.1.6 Nebria Brevicollis 1.4.1.7 Anchomenus Dorsalis 1.4.1.8 Pterostichus Spp. 1.4.1.9 Amara Spp. 1.4.2 Family: Silphidae (Carrion Beetles) 1.4.2.1 Dendroxena Quadrimaculata 1.4.3 Family: Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles) 1.4.3.1 Aleochara Spp. 1.4.3.2 Dalotia Coriaria 1.4.4 Family: Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles) 1.4.4.1 Cantharis Spp. 1.4.4.2 Rhagonycha Spp. 1.4.5 Family: Coccinellidae (Ladybird Beetles) 1.4.5.1 Chilocorus Spp. 1.4.5.2 Clitostethus Arcuatus 1.4.5.3 Scymnus Spp. 1.4.5.4 Stethorus Spp. 1.4.5.5 Coccinella Spp. 1.4.5.6 Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri 1.4.5.7 Harmonia Axyridis 1.4.5.8 Adalia Bipunctata (Two-Spotted Lady Bird) 1.4.5.9 Propylea Spp. 1.5 Order: Diptera 1.5.1 Family: Cecidomyiidae (Gall Midges) 1.5.1.1 Aphidoletes Spp. 1.5.1.2 Lestodiplosis Spp. 1.5.2 Family: Asilidae (Robber Flies) 1.5.3 Family: Dolichopodidae (Long-Legged Flies) 1.5.4 Family: Phoridae (Scuttle Flies) 1.5.5 Family: Syrphidae (Hoverflies) 1.5.5.1 Epistrophe Spp. 1.5.5.2 Eupeodes Spp. 1.5.5.3 Syrphus Spp. 1.5.6 Family: Chloropidae (Grass Flies) 1.5.7 Family: Sarcophagidae (Flesh Flies) 1.5.8 Family: Muscidae (Muscid Flies) 1.6 Miscellaneous Predators 1.6.1 Dragonflies 1.6.2 Mantises 1.6.3 Earwigs 1.6.4 Thrips 1.6.4.1 Family: Aeolothripidae 1.6.4.2 Family: Thripidae 1.6.4.3 Family: Phlaeothripidae 1.6.5 Butterflies and Moths 1.7 Conclusions Points to Remember References Chapter 2 Reduviid Predators Learning Objectives 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Taxonomy 2.3 Diversity of Reduviids 2.4 Biology and Behaviour 2.5 Unique Features of Assassin Bugs in Favour of Biocontrol 2.6 Potential Assassin Bugs for Augmentative Biocontrol 2.6.1 Subfamily Harpactorinae 2.6.2 Subfamily Reduviinae 2.6.3 Subfamily Ectrichodiinae 2.6.4 Subfamily Holoptilinae 2.6.5 Subfamily Peiratinae 2.6.6 Subfamily Emesinae 2.6.7 Subfamily Phymatinae 2.6.8 Subfamily Salyavatinae 2.6.9 Subfamily Stenopodainae 2.7 Mass Multiplication and Field Evaluation 2.7.1 Mass Multiplication 2.7.2 Field Evaluation 2.8 Conclusions 2.9 Points to Remember Acknowledgements References Chapter 3 The Flower Bugs (Anthocoridae) Learning Objectives 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Diversity, Systematic Position and Taxonomy 3.3 Morphology 3.4 Basic Biology and Life History 3.5 Ecology and Behaviour 3.5.1 Seasonal Cycle and Overwintering 3.5.2 Movement 3.5.3 Predator Prey Interactions 3.5.4 Intraguild Predation 3.5.5 Effect of Host Plant Traits 3.5.6 Responses to Plant Volatiles 3.5.7 Prey Preference 3.6 Anthocorids as Effective Predators 3.6.1 Predators of Thrips 3.6.2 Predators of Lepidopterans 3.6.3 Predators of Whiteflies 3.6.4 Predators of Aphids 3.6.5 Predators of Scale Insects 3.6.6 Predators of Mites 3.6.7 Predators of Storage Pests 3.6.8 Factors Affecting the Success of Anthocorid Predators as Bioagents 3.6.9 Compatibility of Anthocorid Predators with Microbial Bioagents 3.7 Rearing of Anthocorid Predators 3.8 Storage Studies 3.9 Conclusions 3.10 Points to Remember References Chapter 4 Mirid and Geocorid Predators Learning Objectives 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Predaceous Mirids 4.2.1 Systematics 4.2.1.1 Family Diagnosis 4.2.2 Diversity and Prey 4.2.3 Biology and Life History 4.2.4 Ecology and Behavior 4.2.4.1 Intraguild Predation 4.2.4.2 Functional Response 4.2.4.3 Chemical Ecology 4.2.5 As Biocontrol Agents 4.3 Geocorid Bugs 4.3.1 Systematics 4.3.1.1 Family Diagnosis 4.3.2 Diversity and Prey 4.3.3 Biology and Life History 4.3.4 Ecology and Behavior 4.3.4.1 Intraguild Predation 4.3.4.2 Functional Response 4.3.5 Chemical Ecology 4.3.5.1 As Biocontrol Agents 4.4 Conclusions 4.5 Points to Remember Acknowledgements References Chapter 5 Asopinae (Pentatomidae) Predators Learning Objectives 5.1 Introduction 5.1.1 Amyotea Ellenrieder 5.1.2 Anasida Karsch 5.1.3 Andrallus (Bergroth) 5.1.4 Arma Hahn 5.1.5 Blachia Walker 5.1.6 Picromerus Amyot & Serville 5.1.7 Cecyrina Walker 5.1.8 Cazira Amyot & Serville 5.1.9 Eocanthecona Bergroth 5.1.10 Zicrona Amyot & Serville 5.1.11 Species List of Asopinae 5.2 Diversity of Predators and Prey 5.3 Characteristics of Pentatomids 5.4 Commercialization 5.5 Effective Biocontrol Agents 5.6 Mass Rearing of Predatory Pentatomid Bugs 5.7 Conclusions 5.8 Points to Remember Acknowledgements References Chapter 6 Chrysopids (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) Learning Objectives 6.1 Systematics 6.2 Cryptic Songs for the Identification of Chrysopids Species 6.3 Biology and Life History 6.4 Rearing and Storage 6.5 Ecology and Interaction Study 6.5.1 Interaction with Microbials 6.6 Strain Improvement 6.7 Biointensive IPM 6.8 Chemical Ecology 6.9 Conclusions 6.10 Points to Remember Acknowledgement References Chapter 7 Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Learning Objectives 7.1 Introduction 7.2 History 7.3 Species Diversity 7.4 Diagnostic Features of Carabidae 7.4.1 General Characters of the Family Carabidae Latreille, 1802 7.5 Biology of Carabids 7.5.1 Defence in Ground Beetles 7.5.2 Feeding Habits of Ground Beetles 7.5.2.1 Carnivores 7.5.2.2 Granivores 7.5.2.3 Omnivores 7.6 Economic Importance 7.7 Important Genera of Ground Beetles 7.7.1 Anthia Weber, 1801 7.7.2 Amara Bonelli, 1810 7.7.3 Bembidion Latreille, 1802 7.7.4 Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 7.7.5 Calosoma Weber, 1801 7.7.6 Harpalus Latreille, 1802 7.7.7 Pterostichus Bonelli, 1810 7.7.8 Genera Commonly Found in India 7.8 Conservation of Beneficial Ground Beetles 7.9 Conclusion Points to Remember Acknowledgement References Chapter 8 Ladybird Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Learning Objectives 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Prey Classification 8.3 Factors Modulating Prey Preferences 8.3.1 Prey Quality 8.3.2 Prey Quantity 8.3.2.1 Functional and Numerical Responses 8.3.2.2 Prey Quantity and Life Attributes 8.3.3 Prey Mobility and Prey Defence 8.3.4 Morphology, Age and Parasitization Status of Prey 8.3.5 Stage, Size, Sex and Age of Predators 8.3.6 Learning Ability and Memory of Ladybirds 8.3.7 Environmental Factors 8.3.7.1 Temperature 8.3.7.2 Photoperiod and Light Intensity 8.3.8 Genetic Factors 8.4 Prey Searching Behaviour of Ladybirds 8.4.1 Pattern of Foraging 8.4.2 Prey Recognition 8.4.3 Extensive Search 8.4.3.1 Visual Cues 8.4.3.2 Olfactory Cues 8.4.3.3 Gustatory Cues 8.4.4 Intensive Search 8.4.5 Learning 8.4.6 Factors Affecting Foraging Behaviour in Ladybirds 8.4.6.1 Abiotic Factors 8.4.6.2 Biotic Factors 8.5 Conclusions 8.6 Points to Remember References Chapter 9 Syrphid Predators (Diptera: Brachycera) Learning Objectives 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Diversity of Insects and Prey 9.3 Basic Biology 9.4 Ecology and Behaviour 9.4.1 As a Potential Biocontrol Agents 9.4.2 As Pollinators 9.5 Life History 9.6 Mass Production 9.7 Effectiveness of Syrphids as Biocontrol Agents in the Field 9.7.1 Predator Exclusion Method 9.7.2 Observational Studies 9.7.3 Predator: Prey Ratios 9.7.4 Prediction Model 9.8 Conclusions Points to Remember Acknowledgements References Chapter 10 Predators of Mite Pests Learning Objectives 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Important Mite Pest Families and Species 10.3 Biological Control of Mite Pests 10.3.1 Mite Predators 10.3.1.1 Acari 10.3.1.2 Insects 10.4 Assessment of the Performance and Efficacy of Mite Predators 10.5 The Future of Biological Control of Mite Pests 10.6 Conclusions 10.7 Points to Remember Acknowledgment References Chapter 11 Aquatic Insects Learning Objectives 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Diversity of Aquatic Insects 11.3 Aquatic Insect Habitats and Adaptations 11.4 Aquatic Insect Functional Groups 11.5 Aquatic Insects as Vectors 11.5.1 Culicidae (Mosquitoes) 11.5.2 Simuliidae (Blackflies) 11.5.3 Ceratopogonidae (Biting Midges) 11.5.4 Tabanidae (Horseflies and Deerflies) 11.6 Aquatic Insects in Vector Control 11.7 Conservation of Aquatic Insect Predators 11.8 Conclusions 11.9 Points to Remember Acknowledgements References Chapter 12 Weed Bio-Control Agents Learning Objectives 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Weeds: Food Resource for Insects 12.3 Ratification of Insects for Weed Control 12.4 Antagonistic Potential of Insect Bioagents Against Weeds 12.5 Major Weeds and their Control by Insects 12.6 Conclusions 12.7 Points to Remember References Index Pests cause damage to the economic value of crops and stored products, while vectors are responsible for the transmission of disease-causing agents in human beings and livestock. Although application of synthetic pesticides in agriculture gives immediate relief, it also causes well-known side effects, leading to a consensus among entomologists and agriculturists to shift towards other ecofriendly pest management methods. Natural enemies of insects including their 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 specialized/generalized in their prey choice, active stages of predators search for a suitable prey, attack or kill the prey and consume prey within a short handling time. Predatory ability is known to increase with increase in prey density. A single predator may devour several prey individuals. Exploiting this potency of parasitoids may yield successful results in controlling notorious pests in an ecofriendly way.This book provides information on the important biocontrol agents that are effective in pest suppression. It starts with insect parasitic groups followed by specific group of parasitoids. It is hoped that the book presents a comprehensive account of beneficial parasitoids 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 authored by specialized senior professionals Every chapter contains Learning Objectives and Points to Remember This book offers comprehensive knowledge of parasitoids and their application in pest management in a lucid way This book covers information on the important biocontrol agents effective in pest suppression. It starts with insect parasitic groups followed by specific group of parasitoids. Flower,Bugs;,Aquatic,Insects;,Insect,Predators;,Mite,Pests;,Ladybird,Beetles;,Geocorid,Predators Flower Bugs,Aquatic Insects,Insect Predators,Mite Pests,Ladybird Beetles,Geocorid Predators