Exploration for hymenopterous parasitoids of thrips

As part of a project to evaluate parasitoid species as biological control agents against western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), a survey was made in its native (United States) and newly invaded areas of distribution (Europe). In addition, parasitoids were collected form closely related Frankliniella and Thrips species, either by active search or by correspondence. Two parasitoid species, the eulophids Ceranisus menes (Walker) and Ceranisus americensis (Girault) were collected as female adults and parasitised hosts from wild vegetation and cultured crops, infested with F. occidentalis and related species at several locations in Europe and elsewhere. They were subsequently processed, shipped and reared in the laboratory, together with their thrips hosts. Methods for collecting, processing and shipment of both thrips and parasitoids are described and preliminary rearing results are presented.