National Scientist

Photo:

Name:

Baltazar, Clare R.

Specialization:

Ph. D. Systematic Entomology

Profile:

Dr. Baltazar has consistently maintained outstandingly high standards of achievement throughout her academic life. Her numerous publications on Philippine insects especially on Philippine Hymenoptera are very significant to science for they lay the groundwork for future biological control in the Philippines. Her book Philippine Insects is the first authoritative text on Philippine insects. Other important contributions of Dr. Baltazar to science are the discoveries of eight and one subgenus of Hymenoptera. For these achievement, Dr. Baltazar is well recognized here and abroad. In 1980, she received the Rizal Patria Award in entomology

Birthdate: 1 November 1927

Educational Background:

B.S.A (Summa cum laude) - University of the PHilippines Los Baños 1947
M.S. - University of Wisconsin, U.S.A 1950
Ph.D. - North Carolina State College and University of Wisconsin, U.S.A 1957

Research Interest:

Most important studies done:

The Philippine Pumplini, Poemeniini, Rhyssini and Xoridini (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae), 1961, 130pp. The study of Philippine specimens in the above four tribes yielded 68 species and 18 subspecies which were described in 18 genera. Of these, 53 species and 11 subspecies were discovered to be new to science. Four genera and one subgenus were also described as new. Previously, only 9 species and 7 subspecies were known from the Philippines. These groups of wasps parasitize wood-boring Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. Borers are always difficult to control by spraying, hence these wasps have potential value as biocontrol agents against borers.
The genera of parasitic Hymenoptera in the Philippines, parts 1 and 2 (1962 and 1964), 86pp. In the past, parasitic wasps caught or reared from various host insects were always sent abroad to the US National Museum or the British Museum for identification and it took months or years before the identification arrived or no reply was forthcoming. Now with the keys to genera devised, and presented here, one can identify to genus the adult parasites encountered in the field particularly in the two big groups of wasps (Braconidae and Ichneumonidae) that are utilized in biological control of agriculturalm pests. This paper keyed out 125 genera of Braconidae, 62 of which are new records for the Philippines. In the family Ichneumonidae, 215 genera and 24 subgenera are known to ·occur here; out of these 120 genera and 4 subgenera are reported for the first time. Fourteen subfamilies and 215 genera are keyed out.
A Catalogue of Philippine Hymenoptera (with a bibliography, 1758- 1963), 1966, 488 pp. - This Catalogue processed systematic data pertaining to 2, 141 species and subspecies of Hymenoptera known from the Philippines over a span of more than two centuries. With a complete bibliography, this catalogue becomes the baseline for subsequent work on this group of insects. This reference is useful not only for biodiversity researchers but also to biological control workers and economic entomologists as well. Volume III of the Inventory of Philippine Insects is a sequel to this Catalogue and it updates information on Philippine Hymenoptera from 1963 - 1996.
Philippine Insects An Introduction, 1979 (with N.P. Salazar as coauthor), 138 pp. -This book was intended primarily for teachers and students in high school biology. We have to start with the high school level to entice our students to take interest in the study of insects. In turned out that this reference has been used nationwide in all State Universities teaching general entomology and insect taxonomy in the college level. It has become also a useful reviewer for graduate students who intend to take their comprehensive examination. This book has been translated in Filipino by Dr. Lilian A. de las Llagas, a medical entomologist and coordinator of the Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, U.P. Manila. It is expected to be out soon (U.P. Press, Diliman).
An Inventory of Philippine Insects

Honors and Awards Received: