Legner, E.F., & Bellows, T.S. 1999 Exploration for natural enemies.. Handbook of Biological Control: Principles and Applications of Biological Control. Academic Press San Diego et al. 1046 pp.

Notes: This chapter describes criteria that will help delineate search areas of choice before exploration for entomophagous organisms begins. Ascertaining region or origin of the target pest or its plant hosts, if possible, will prioritize areas to be searches. Key considerations are taxonomy, distribution, hosts of record, biologies of closely related species, and input from foreign colleagues in the proposed areas of search. The authors also cite several successful biological control programs by organisms secured in areas other than the native home of the target pest. Other topics explored include environmental risk factors associated with introduction of exotic natural enemies, the mechanics of organizing and executing foreign exploration for beneficial and personal and technical problems faced in the field. Species discussed include Aonidiella aurantii, Icerya purchasi, Parlatoria oleae, Pseudococcus comstocki and Saissetia oleae.