The earliest records of insect parasitoids in China

Insect parasitism was known in China for a long time in the form of parasitic tachinid flies of silkworms (Bombyx mori L.). These tachinid flies were first mentioned in the Chinese literature around 300 AD. The developmental cycle of this tachinid (possibly a species of the genus Exorista) were clearly described by Lu Dian in 1096. This antedates the first descriptions of insect parasitoids from Europe by 600 years. Another parasitic fly, a flesh fly (possibly Blaesoxipha lapidosa Pape) was noted as the main parasitoid of Locusta migratoria manilensis Meyen in 1196. The first Chinese record with a correct description of the life cycle of a hymenopteran parasitoid dates from 1704.