Impact of the arrival of Harmonia axyridis on adults of Coccinella septempunctata and Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

• Published in: European journal of entomology Vol. 99; no. 4; pp. 457 - 463
• Main Authors: Lucas, E, Gagne , I, Coderre, D. (Universite du Quebec, Montreal (Canada). Dept. des Sciences Biologiques)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science 01.01.2002
• Subjects: ALTURA; ANIMAL COMPETITION; APHIS; aphis citricola; ARBOLES FRUTALES; ARBRE FRUITIER; biological control; COCCINELLA SEPTEMPUNCTATA; coccinellidae; coleomegilla maculata; COMPETICION ANIMAL; competition; COMPETITION ANIMALE; COMPORTEMENT ALIMENTAIRE; DEPREDACION; dispersion effect; displacement; DISTRIBUCION ESPACIAL; DISTRIBUTION SPATIALE; FEEDING HABITS; FRUIT TREES; HABITOS ALIMENTARIOS; HARMONIA AXYRIDIS; HAUTEUR; HEIGHT; introduction; MALUS PUMILA; PREDATION; SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION; TETRANYCHUS URTICAE
• ISSN: 1210-5759; 1802-8829
• DOI: 10.14411/eje.2002.058

The impact of the arrival of the exotic coccinellid Harmonia axyridis on the biological control and dispersion of apple mites and aphids, and on the vertical distribution of the established coccinellids Coccinella septempunctata and Coleomegilla maculata have been studied. Assemblages of adults of the three coccinellid species were tested on apple saplings and on apple trees against Aphis citricola and Tetranychus urticae. The presence or substitution of adults of H. axyridis for adults of C. maculata or C. septempunctata did not reduce the predation impact on mite or aphid prey. H. axyridis was a more efficient predator of mites than was C. septempunctata and generated lower prey dispersal from host plants. Substitutions of adults of H. axyridis for those of C. maculata, and in some cases of C. septempunctata, resulted in greater reduction in number of aphids. On apple trees, the three coccinellid species occurred at different heights. Neither C. maculata nor C. septempunctata modified their vertical distribution on apple tree over a 24 hour period in response to the presence of H. axyridis.