Hassan Ghahari – författare

Braconidae of the Middle East (Hymenoptera): Taxonomy, Distribution, Biology, and Biocontrol Benefits of Parasitoid Wasps provides the latest and most comprehensive knowledge of parasitoid wasp species. The highest concentration of these species is native to, or found in, the Middle East. This book covers the distribution of these species across the Palearctic region and their widespread global benefits as natural biocontrol agents. Each chapter covers a braconid subfamily, providing introductory information on its biology and phylogeny, total number of species, global distribution, and how they can be used to control pests and invasive insect species.

In addition, this book discusses the importance of integrated pest management, specifically how Braconidae can be used for one-time or repeated introduction to natural enemies in suppressing pest populations. Finally, each chapter offers an illustrative key for readers to visualize and identify each species.

Offers braconid taxonomy, biology, phylogeny and host-parasitoid relationships Provides illustrated identification keys to visualize and identify each species Includes global distribution of braconids in other regions Discusses braconid benefits as natural biocontrol agents

The cosmopolitan family Vespidae (Hymenoptera: Vespoidea) comprises approximately 5,000 described species worldwide, traditionally classified into six subfamilies: Stenogastrinae, Eumeninae s.l., Euparagiinae, Masarinae, Polistinae, and Vespinae. Among vespid wasps, social behavior ranges from solitary nesting to highly eusocial societies that function as superorganisms. Vespid wasps play vital roles in terrestrial ecosystems and are recognized as efficient biological control agents, preying on caterpillars and other insects, including many agricultural pests. Additionally, by occupying top positions in terrestrial arthropod food webs and visiting flowers for nectar, they contribute to the pollination of fruit and vegetable crops. Some vespid species have become invasive pests, and/or are feared for their painful stings, which can be fatal to individuals allergic to their venom.This book presents the first comprehensive treatment of the Vespidae of the Middle East, offering detailed information on 716 valid species and subspecies across 69 genera in four subfamilies: Eumeninae, Masarinae, Polistinae, and Vespinae. It provides complete taxonomic treatment of all subfamilies known from the region, along with insights into their general biology, ecology, and geographic distribution. The book also includes discussions on morphology, identification keys to genera and sometimes species, economic importance, diagnostic characters of each group, and their affinities with related groups. An extensive bibliography of over 800 references supports further study and, whenever possible, the information has been updated to reflect the most current knowledge.As the definitive guide to the Vespidae of the Middle East, this book serves as a valuable resource for researchers studying wasps worldwide.

The superfamily Chalcidoidea (Insecta, Hymenoptera) contains in excess of 26,000 described species worldwide, but with an estimated total diversity of more than 500,000 species the vast majority of species have yet to be discovered and described. Most chalcidoid species are parasitoids of hosts in at least 12 different insect orders, attacking the egg, larval or pupal stages, though phytophagy and other life cycles and hosts are known. Iran is the 18th largest country in the world and has a rich and diverse insect fauna, including Chalcidoidea. It is extremely interesting from a biogeographic point of view, and a paradise for an entomologist. This book summarizes the results of all prior research concerning species diversity of Iranian Chalcidoidea, including host records and distribution records by province in Iran as well as world distribution by country for 1,351 species of Chalcidoidea recorded from Iran through the end of 2019. The faunal diversity for each of the 20 families of Chalcidoidea known from Iran is also compared with that known for 15 adjacent countries. In addition, general information on world diversity, recognition, phylogenetic relationships and host relationships are given for each family. As such, the book will be an invaluable source of information for all those involved with chalcidoids, for anyone with an interest in insect systematics, and all those working in crop protection, especially biological control and Integrated Pest Management.

This book synthesizes the extensive research on the species diversity of Ichneumonidae, offering a comprehensive overview of their host records and biological information in the Middle East and globally. It serves as an invaluable reference for entomologists, researchers in insect systematics, and professionals in agricultural biocontrol. With its detailed examination of ichneumonids, this book is also a crucial resource for those involved in crop protection and Integrated Pest Management.Comprising 38 chapters, of which 35 of them are dedicated to a specific ichneumonid subfamily, the book provides introductory data on biology, worldwide distribution, and interrelationships among subfamilies. It meticulously lists over 2300 ichneumonid species across 35 subfamilies, complete with host records and new findings for Middle Eastern countries. This structured approach allows readers to gain a deep understanding of each subfamily's ecological role and significance.Drawing on the latest global research, this book transcends regional boundaries, making it a must-read for anyone interested in insect systematics and agricultural biocontrol. This book will also be of great value to all those working in crop protection (especially biological control) and Integrated Pest Management.