Abstract
Classical biological control is a strategy commonly used for management of invasive insects and is currently being used to mitigate the effects of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis, EAB), now considered to be the most destructive invasive forest pest in North American history. Three species of introduced hymenopteran parasitoids are being released against EAB in the United States: Oobius agrili, Spathius agrili, and Tetrastichus planipennisi. During this research, current methods used to recover and monitor these parasitoids were simultaneously evaluated in the field to determine which are most effective and results suggest yellow pan traps (YPTs) were effective for these purposes. YPTs were subsequently used to investigate dispersal capabilities of individual parasitoids and elucidate local dispersal patterns following release. This information can be used to improve parasitoid recovery efforts for both research and management purposes and will help determine the most favorable sites for future parasitoid releases.