Since the early 1980s, application of biological control methods against insect pests has had a major resurgence. Parasite Hymenoptera are among the most important agents for biological control and are extremely abundant in most terrestrial habitats. Despite their importance, their biology and taxonomy remain poorly known and their identification is difficult.
This publication is the result of a course on identification of Hymenoptera given three times since 1985 at the Centre for Land and Biological Resources Research (then known as the Biosystematics Research Centre).
Because this guide is intended for a wide group of users, several features were incorporated into the keys to make them easy to use while maintaining accuracy and completeness: each distinct attribute is listed alphabetically in the alternates of the couplets: figures illustrating key attributes are placed with the respective couplets; and terms are standardized.
This publication is the result of a course on identification of Hymenoptera given three times since 1985 at the Centre for Land and Biological Resources Research (then known as the Biosystematics Research Centre).
Because this guide is intended for a wide group of users, several features were incorporated into the keys to make them easy to use while maintaining accuracy and completeness: each distinct attribute is listed alphabetically in the alternates of the couplets: figures illustrating key attributes are placed with the respective couplets; and terms are standardized.