Abstract: All living organisms, whether plants, animals or microorganisms, interact through chemical compounds. Chemical ecology seeks to identify the compounds that are involved in these interactions, the structures that allow their biosynthesis, emission and perception. It deciphers their implication in the functioning and the evolution of the living organisms whether at a molecular, individual, population or ecosystemic scale. Semiochemicals are involved in the interactions of organisms among themselves and with their environment. Involved in numerous interactions, semiochemicals play an essential role in the structuring of trophic networks and the evolution of the species. Chemical ecology also sheds light on certain large ecological problems like biological invasions and helps envision new methods for managing invasive species. The chemical signals emitted in the environment by local species play a role from the beginning of the introduction process, notably for the detection of habitats favorable to the establishment of non-indigenous species. © ISTE Ltd 2016.