Production of Dipteran Parasitoids

Dipteran parasitoids (especially Tachinidae, but also Sarcophagidae, Phoridae, Cryptochaetidae, and Bombyliidae) comprise a number of species of interest for applied biological control and, as a consequence, mass 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 on dipteran parasitoids and bring this group of insects to light. Some examples of tachinid, phorid and other dipteran parasitoids implicated in biological control are presented in the first section. Subsequently, the most important aspects of their biology relevant for rearing 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 discussed, as well as sterilization and antimicrobial agents for diets/media. Finally, some perspectives are presented with the aim of stimulating new ideas for research efforts on the mass culturing of dipteran parasitoids.