Editorial: Ecology and behavior of native, naturalized, and invasive ladybird beetles

Authors: Riddick, Eric; SOARES, ANTONIO - THE UNIVERSITY OF THE AZORES

Submitted to: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/23/2018
Publication Date: 8/10/2018
Citation: Riddick, E.W., Soares, A.O. 2018. Editorial: Ecology and behavior of native, naturalized, and invasive ladybird beetles. FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION. 6:1-2.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This research topic consists of articles written by a diverse cadre of scientists in the USA, UK, Portugal, Germany, France, Czech Republic, China, and Belgium. Four articles focus exclusively on the ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), of Asian origin. One article focuses on a native ladybird Coccinella novemnotata Herbst (in North America) and the closely related Coccinella septempunctata L. of European origin, but now naturalized in some localities in North America. One article examines a range of coccinellid species, native and alien, including H. axyridis, in Europe. The ladybird H. axyridis is one of the most effective predators of aphids and related pests in the world. Nevertheless, this species has become highly invasive in numerous countries over the past two decades. Its superior capacity to utilize semiochemicals to establish and maintain overwintering aggregations, locate mates, locate prey, and defend themselves against natural enemies has contributed to its invasion success. The possession of dorsal spines on H. axyridis larvae provide protection from intraguild predators. In addition, the dispersal ability of H. axyridis is higher than for other ladybirds (native and alien species) in Europe. The intentional or unintentional release of the highly competitive C. septempunctata into intermountian regions of western North America might have caused declines in population density of rare, native species such as C. novemnotata. In a field study spanning three decades, C. novemnotata persisted in a diversity of plant communities, albeit at low densities. There was no convincing evidence that C. septempunctata caused a decline in C. novemnotata populations. In conclusion, with increased agricultural commerce and trade between countries (and continents), the intentional or unintentional introduction of ladybirds will likely increase. Positive effects of these introductions would include increased suppression of plant pests; negative effects might involve reduction of populations of native species driven by competitive interactions.