Use of reflectance data to identify and detect stress of insects

We describe how reflectance data acquired in 160 spectral bands from 405-907 nm and a spatial resolution of about 45 pixels per mm² could be used to identify parasitized host eggs and adult specimens of three species of Trichogramma: T. galloi, T. pretiosum and T. atopovirilia. We also analyze reflectance data acquired from larger black flour beetles (Cynaeus angustus) over time and with/without exposure to entompathogenic nematodes. We use these data sets to highlight some of the possibilities associated with use of imaging technology and advanced reflectance data analysis as part of both insect identification and characterisation of insect responses to mortality factors.