Interactions Among Native and Non-Native Predatory Coccinellidae Influence Biological Control and Biodiversity

Abstract

Over the past 30 yr, multiple species of predatory Coccinellidae, prominently Coccinella septempunctata L. and Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) have spread to new continents, influencing biodiversity and biological control. Here we review the mechanisms underlying these ecological interactions, focusing on multi-year field studies of native and non-native coccinellids and those using molecular and quantitative ecological methods. Field data from Asia show that H. axyridis, C. septempunctata, and Propylea japonica (Thunberg) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are regularly among the most abundant predatory species but their rank varies by habitat. Studies of these species in their native Asian range, primarily related to their range in mainland China, document different patterns of seasonal abundance, species specific associations with prey, and habitat separation. Intraguild predation is well documented both in Asia and in newly invaded areas, and H. axyridis benefits most from this interaction. Harmonia axyridis also seems to rely more on cannibalism in times of prey scarcity than other species, and relatively sparse data indicate a lower predation pressure on it from natural enemies of coccinellids. Declines in the abundance of native coccinellids following the spread and increase of non-native species, documented in several multi-year studies on several continents, is a major concern for native biodiversity and the persistence of native coccinellid species. We suggest that future studies focus more attention on the community ecology of these invasive species in their native habitats.

Cannibalism and intraguild predation between endemic and introduced coccidophagous lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

“…2017, 2020; Li et al . 2021) or alter the dynamics of what we observed under controlled conditions. This is the first report to confirm these interactions between C. montrouzieri and T. notata ; hence, it is essential to review the possible success or failure for the biological control of mealybugs where both of these lady beetle species occur simultaneously.…”

“…Other factors such as weather conditions, habitat size, food availability, presence of other natural enemies etc. may impose disadvantages on native species (Kindlmann et al 2017(Kindlmann et al , 2020Li et al 2021) or alter the dynamics of what we observed under controlled conditions. This is the first report to confirm these interactions between C. montrouzieri and T. notata; hence, it is essential to review the possible success or failure for the biological control of mealybugs where both of these lady beetle species occur simultaneously.…”

Landscape change and alien invasions drive shifts in native lady beetle communities over a century

“…Following their establishment, alien lady beetles became the dominant species within many native communities (Alyokhin & Sewell, 2004; Harmon et al ., 2007; Bahlai et al ., 2015). Because of their dominance, direct and indirect competitive interactions with alien species are hypothesized as a driver of declines in native lady beetles (Pell et al ., 2008; Li et al ., 2021). For example, intraguild predation has been documented among native and alien lady beetles in the field (Gagnon et al ., 2011; Thomas et al ., 2013; Brown et al ., 2015; Ortiz-Martínez et al ., 2020), wherein native eggs and larvae were more likely to be the intraguild prey for alien species (Snyder et al ., 2004; Katsanis et al ., 2013).…”

Coexistence between similar invaders: The case of two cosmopolitan exotic insects

“…For example, H. axyridis and C. septempunctata were highly abundant within native lady beetle communities that were sampled over 24 years in southwestern Michigan, USA (Bahlai, Colunga-Garcia, et al 2015). Because H. axyridis and C. septempunctata have become the dominant lady beetles within many native communities (Alyokhin and Sewell 2004, Harmon et al 2007, Bahlai, Colunga-Garcia, et al 2015), direct and indirect forms of competition are hypothesized as drivers of declines in native species (Pell et al 2008, Li et al 2021).…”