Invasive alien species (IAS) coupled with climate change have been referred to as a "deadly duo". Until recently research on invasion biology has centred mainly on alien plants and vertebrates, despite the numerical dominance of alien arthropods. Arthropods are the largest group of IAS worldwide and many can play a beneficial role, particularly in controlling insect and mite pests. Indeed, more than 1500 terrestrial arthropod species have been identified as alien to Europe but only a fraction has been shown to cause either an ecological or economical impact, yet knowledge is severely limited by a paucity of data. The IOBC/WPRS Working Group "Benefits and Risks of Exotic Biological Control Agents" developed the theme of this book to begin to address the limitations in understanding of this important research area. Understanding invasion biology, and the dynamics of biological control practices, requires a multidisciplinary and unified approach, embracing and integrating all the research tools at our disposal, particularly modern molecular and modelling techniques. This book represents a timely synthesis of current ecological knowledge and research on alien arthropod predators and parasitoids.

Understanding invasion biology, and the dynamics of biological control practices, requires a multidisciplinary approach, embracing and integrating all the research tools at our disposal, particularly modern molecular and modelling techniques. This book provides a comprehensive and current overview of invasive alien arthropod predators and parasitoids through 20 chapters, contributed by 69 internationally renowned scientists (previously published as peer-reviewed papers in BioControl August 2011), ranging from broad reviews of key topics on invasive alien species (IAS) to taxon-specific chapters. The context of invasion biology is given through nine chapters focusing on current themes but highlighting future directions and knowledge gaps. Concepts are explored in detail through ten chapters focusing on a taxonomically diverse range of arthropods. The concluding chapter presents an objective approach to considering the benefits and risks of exotic biological control agents.

Timely synthesis of current ecological knowledge and research on alien arthropod predators and parasitoids which is a neglected field Contributions from researchers around the world gives a global perspective Broad conceptual chapters coupled with more specific taxon-related chapters provide a thorough overview of the state of current knowledge and considerations for future work

Inhalt

Foreword: Alien arthropod predators and parasitoids: an ecological approach.- 1. A conceptual framework for understanding arthropod predator and parasitoid invasions.- 2. Alien arthropod predators and parasitoids: interactions with the environment.- 3. Ecological genetics of invasive alien species.- 4. Detecting arthropod intraguild predation in the field.- 5. A 'Goldilocks' hypothesis for dispersal of biological control agents.- 6. Can the enemy release hypothesis explain the success of invasive alien predators and parasitoids?.- 7. Ecological effects of invasive alien species on native communities, with particular emphasis on the interactions between aphids and ladybirds.- 8. Inventory of terrestrial alien arthropod predators and parasites established in Europe.- 9. Ecological effects and management of invasive alien Vespidae.- 10. Torymus sinensis : a viable management option for the biological control of Dryocosmus kuriphilus in Europe?.- 11. Ecology of Arachnida alien to Europe.- 12. The hitchhiker's guide to alien ant invasions.- 13. Invasive alien Crustacea: dispersal, establishment, impact and control.- 14. Invasions by ladybugs, ladybirds, and other predatory beetles.- 15. Ecology of Harmonia axyridis in natural habitats within its native range.- 16. The global spread of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): distribution, dispersal and routes of invasion.- 17. The chemical ecology of Harmonia axyridis .- 18. Living withthe enemy: parasites and pathogens of the ladybird Harmonia axyridis .- 19. Benefi ts and risks of exotic biological control agents.