Systematic research has long been recognized as a vital ingredient of the formula for success in biological control programs. Unfortunately, many biological control programs continue to be initiated with little thought to including systematic research, and the literature is replete with examples of delayed or ineffective programs that could have been turned around by timely systematic input. Enhancing the interactions between field workers and systematists at the outset of a proposed biological control program is a goal that can be attained with a small effort by both parties. The major obstacle to such cooperation seems to be a misunderstanding about research priorities and needs between those in the front line of the control effort and systematists who are often removed from the day to day field work. Because of their different levels of involvement, systematists may not share the urgency felt by biological control workers to begin a program to stem the large losses caused by new pests. Each side needs to adapt its program to the needs of the other. Over the past two decades, new techniques of systematics research have been developed and will aid in the identification of natural enemies and their impact in agricultural and nonagricultural ecosystems.