potential impacts of the arrival of the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), in Britain

• Published in: Ecological entomology 2006-06, Vol.31 (3), p.207-215
• Main Authors: Majerus, Michael, Strawson, Vicky, Roy, Helen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: adverse effects; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Aphidophages; aphidophagous insects; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Biological control; biological control agents; Coccinellidae; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Control; ecological impact; ecological invasion; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; harlequin ladybird; Harmonia axyridis; insect ecology; introduced species; invasive species; literature reviews; nontarget organisms; Parks, reserves, wildlife conservation. Endangered species: population survey and restocking; Phytopathology. Animal pests. Plant and forest protection; population ecology; predatory insects; Protozoa. Invertebrates
• ISSN: 0307-6946; 1365-2311
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2311.2006.00734.x

1. The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, has recently arrived in Britain. 2. This species has been introduced from Asia into many parts of the world for biological control purposes. 3. In many parts of North America it has become the predominant aphidophagous coccinellid in less than 20 years, and in north-western Europe it is spreading and increasing in number rapidly. 4. Since establishment in North America and continental Europe, reports of its effectiveness as a biological control agent of aphids and coccids have been accompanied by accounts of negative effects on other aphidophagous species and humans. 5. Here the potential impacts of the arrival of the harlequin ladybird in Britain are assessed.