Les problèmes de systématique dans les recherches écologiques sur les insectes entomophages

Summary

The first step in ecological studies of entomophagous insects is the collection of the different species associated to a given host in a given biotope.

Many species are frequently encountered and their identification is often impossible or limited to the name of the genus, because detailed publications on systematics are not available and there are not enough specialised taxonomists.

The needs for a precise identification increase when the study of the role of natural enemies is undertaken; the maximum complexity being reached when biological control methods are to be developped. It is then necessary to establish differences between biological races, sibling species etc. A striking example of these kind of difficulties is given by the biological control of California red scale.

Progress in the field of systematics of entomophagous insects is only possible if we have a better knowledge of their biological and ecological requirements.

Some examples are given of recent results obtained by different study groups of the C.I.L.B.:

O. concolor bred fromC. capitata and fromD. oleae have been recognized as a single species, the adaptability of which is now studied-stress has been put on characteristics and efficiency of different strains ofP. perniciosi.

Specificity and geographical distribution of egg parasites of genusOoencyrtus are reviewed in the mediterranan area...

A close cooperation is to be maintained between workers in the fields of systematics and ecology, the contribution of C.I.L.B. will be of a great value.