Production of Dipteran Parasitoids

Dipteran parasitoids (especially Tachinidae, but also Sarcophagidae, Phoridae, Cryptochaetidae and Bombyliidae) comprise several species of interest for applied biological control and, as a consequence, production. Although they are underestimated and often forgotten in biocontrol strategies, several studies concerning their rearing technology have been carried out. The purpose of this chapter is to review the work done and bring this group of parasitoids to light. Some examples of tachinid and other dipteran parasitoids implicated in biological control are presented in a first section. Subsequently, aspects of their biology of interest for production are described. In vivo and in vitro rearing techniques are considered in another section, from different points of view, such as host type (natural vs. alternative) and age, infestation mode, abiotic conditions, parasitoid nutritional needs and continuous in vitro culture. Adult maintenance, quality control, storage and shipment procedures are also dealt with. Finally some perspectives are presented, with the aim of stimulating new ideas for new research efforts on these topics.