Insect natural enemies, encompassing predators and parasitoids, serve as vital regulators of pest populations and architects of ecosystem balance. Most studies on natural enemies have focused on understanding the mechanisms by which these insects eliminate pests after an attack. For example, in parasitoid wasps, the majority of studies have focused on how parasitoid venoms manipulate the host's immune system and development. However, it is important to recognize that natural enemies and pests often coexist in the same space prior to an attack, allowing for interactions that may occur before the attack itself. These preattack interactions have the potential to influence pests to varying degrees, yet they remain an underexplored area in current research. Although some existing studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying pest responses to parasitoid detection, few have explored the practical implications of such findings for biological control practices. In this commentary, we aim to explore the key findings regarding the physiological and behavioral impacts of parasitoid wasp intimidation on hosts before parasitoid attack. We also examine the differences in host responses under diverse parasitoid stress, highlighting the complex interactions that occur before actual parasitism takes place. Finally, we discuss the insights these findings provide for developing novel pest control strategies.
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2025 The Author(s). New Plant Protection published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
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