Fitness of two phenotypes of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

• Published in: European journal of entomology Vol. 98; no. 3; pp. 287 - 293
• Main Authors: Soares, A.O, Schanderl, H. (University of Azores, Ponta Delgada (Portugal). Dept. of Biology), Coderre, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science 01.01.2001
• Subjects: ANATOMIA ANIMAL; ANATOMIE ANIMALE; ANIMAL DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES; ANIMAL HEALTH; ANIMAL MORPHOLOGY; aulica; BIOMASA; BIOMASS; BIOMASSE; BODY WEIGHT; DURACION; DURATION; DUREE; ETAPAS DEL DESARROLLO ANIMAL; FEED INTAKE; FENOTIPOS; FERTILIDAD; FERTILITE; FERTILITY; fitness; HARMONIA AXYRIDIS; INGESTION DE PIENSOS; intraspecific variability; LONGEVIDAD; LONGEVITE; LONGEVITY; nigra; PESO CORPORAL; PHENOTYPE; PHENOTYPES; POIDS CORPOREL; PRISE ALIMENTAIRE (ANIMAUX); reproduction; SANIDAD ANIMAL; SANTE ANIMALE; STADE DE DEVELOPPEMENT ANIMAL; voracity
• ISSN: 1210-5759; 1802-8829
• DOI: 10.14411/eje.2001.048

The coccinellid Harmonia axyridis shows considerable intraspecific variability of elytral patterns. In this paper, we suggest that a genotype that confers a specific pattern of elytra could also confer other specific autecological attributes. The aim of this study is to compare fitness parameters of two phenotypes (aulica and nigra). Aulica is a common morph characterized by two light red areas that nearly cover the whole elytra, leaving a narrow black border, whereas nigra is completely black; the latter is a rare morph that was naturally obtained from mass cultures. Intraspecific differences occur between H. axyridis phenotypes. The aulica phenotype is more voracious than nigra. Consumption rate of males is higher in aulica than in nigra, but there is no difference for females. Larval biomass of aulica is generally higher than that of nigra. The maximum body-weights reached by larval instars and adults are significantly higher for aulica. Aulica also has greater longevity and reproductive capacity. Only life stage duration of eggs and pre-pupae differ between the two phenotypes. Nigra shows lower fecundity and fertility. The strong differences in phenotype traits of H. axyridis could affect its fitness.