Harmonia axyridis
Harmonia axyridis | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Coleoptera |
Infraorder: | Cucujiformia |
Family: | Coccinellidae |
Genus: | Harmonia |
Species: | H. axyridis
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Binomial name | |
Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773)
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Synonyms | |
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Harmonia axyridis is a large lady beetle or ladybug species that is most commonly known as the harlequin, Asian, or multicoloured Asian lady beetle. This is one of the most variable species in the world, with an exceptionally wide range of colour forms.[1] It is native to eastern Asia, but has been artificially introduced to North America and Europe to control aphids and scale insects. It is now common, well known, and spreading in those regions, and has also established in Africa and widely across South America. This species is conspicuous in North America, where it may locally be known as the Halloween beetle, as it often invades homes during October to overwinter.[2]
When the species first arrived in the UK, it was labelled in jest as the "many-named ladybird" due to the great quantity of vernacular names. Among those already listed other names include multivariate, southern, Japanese, and pumpkin ladybird.[3]
Description
Harmonia axyridis is a typical
However, numerous other forms have also been recorded. Extreme forms may be entirely black, or feature complex patterns of black, orange and red.
The large size of this species is usually the first clue to its identification.
Range
Harmonia axyridis is native to eastern
North America
This species spread across continents because of human-mediated processes. They became established in North America as the result of introductions into the United States in an attempt to control the spread of aphids. In the last three decades, this insect has spread throughout the US and Canada, and has been a prominent factor in controlling aphid populations. The first introductions into the US took place as far back as 1916. The species repeatedly failed to establish in the wild after successfully controlling aphid populations, but an established population of beetles was observed in the wild near
Worldwide propagation
Worldwide routes of propagation of H. axyridis were described with genetic markers in 2010.[8] The populations in eastern and western North America originated from two independent introductions from the native range.[8] The South American and African populations both originated independently from eastern North America.[8] The European population also originated from eastern North America, but with substantial genetic admixture with individuals of the European biocontrol strain (estimated at 40%).[8]
This species is widely considered to be one of the world's most
In addition to its household pest status,
Biology and behaviour
Harmonia axyridis becomes dormant in cooler months, though it will move around whenever the temperature reaches about 10 °C (50 °F). Because the beetles will use crevices and other cool, dry, confined spaces to overwinter, significant numbers may congregate inside walls if given a large enough opening.
Large aggregations are often seen in autumn. The beetles have pheromones to signal to each other. However, many aggregation cues are visual, picking out sites at both long (light-coloured structures that are distinct from their surroundings) and short (pre-existing aggregations to join) distances. Non-volatile long-chain hydrocarbons laid down by previous aggregations also play a significant role in site selection. Both visual and hydrocarbon cues are more important than volatile pheromones.
They often congregate in sunlit areas because of the heat available, so even on fairly cold winter days, some of the hibernating beetles will "wake up" because of solar heating. Large populations can be problematic because they can form
Harmonia axyridis, like other ladybeetles or ladybirds, uses
These beetles can be difficult to identify because of their variations in color, spot size, and spot count of the elytra. The easiest way to identify H. axyridis f. succinea is to look at the pronotum and see whether the black markings look like a letter "W" or "M". This species has more white markings on the pronotum than have most native North American species, though this feature is not useful when attempting to separate it from species in other parts of the world.
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Mating
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Larva (left), adult (center), and pupa (right)
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Spotted adult
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With elytra slightly open
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Detail of head and thorax
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Wings spread out
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Ready for flight
Control
Numerous methods of control have been investigated in areas where this beetle has been introduced and causes a threat to native species and biodiversity and to the grape industry. Methods of control include insecticides, trapping, removal of aggregates of beetles, and mechanically preventing entry to buildings.[20] Methods under development involve the investigation of natural parasites and pathogens, including the use of parasitic sexually transmitted mites and fungal diseases.[21]
The best methods for dealing with H. axyridis in private homes involve sealing openings they may enter.
Biochemistry
Harmonia axyridis secretes a number of defensive compounds, one of which,
References
- ^ a b "Adalia, Field Guide to Ladybugs of North America on the App Store". App Store. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
- ^ PMID 15841248.
- ^ Ladybird Survey page "Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) in Britain" "Harmonia axyridis, the invasive harlequin ladybird (Coccinellidae) establishing in London, Essex and the UK". Archived from the original on 2008-01-17. Retrieved 2008-01-07. Accessed 7 Jan 2008
- ^ "Harlequin Ladybird Survey - Recognition and Distinction". www.harlequin-survey.org. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
- ^ "Species Harmonia axyridis - Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle - BugGuide.Net". bugguide.net. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
- ^ "Harmonia axyridis". College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University. Archived from the original on 2014-05-09. Retrieved 2014-05-12.
- PMID 33312773.
- ^ PMID 20305822.
- ^ a b c d "Harlequin Ladybird Survey - Origins". www.harlequin-survey.org. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
- ^ S2CID 87225681. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
- JSTOR 4494179.
- ^ Smith, Lewis (20 May 2015). "Harlequin ladybirds declared UK's fastest invading species". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "Orkin Asian Lady Beetles". 11 April 2018.
- ^ Betty Summerhayes (July 6, 2007). "OMAFRA Achievements in Crop Technology 2007". Government of Ontario. Archived from the original on January 16, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2011.
- ^ "Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle" (PDF). Retrieved 2015-04-03.
- S2CID 94041532.
- ^ "Multicolored Asian Ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis)". Archived from the original on 2010-06-09. Retrieved 2010-06-26.
- ^ "Medscape". Archived from the original on June 8, 2009. Retrieved August 18, 2006.
- ^ "Harmonia axyridis". Animal Diversity Web.
- S2CID 19892524.
- S2CID 33076473.
- ^ a b "USDA site". Ars.usda.gov. Archived from the original on 2010-07-20. Retrieved 2010-07-03.
- ^ "Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet". Ohioline.osu.edu. Retrieved 2017-04-29.
- PMID 21937493.
External links
- Media related to Harmonia axyridis at Wikimedia Commons
- An extensive review of literature on the multicolored Asian lady beetle
- The multi-colored Asian lady beetle FAQ
- Report sightings of the harlequin ladybird in the British Isles
- Report sightings of the harlequin ladybird in the Netherlands
- Multicolored Asian lady beetle, University of Florida / Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Featured Creatures
- Swiss agricultural research station Agroscope: Project on Asian lady beetle control