(M)eating the natives – trophic interactions with the invasive harlequin ladybird in Tilia spp. canopies
Andy G. Howe
Ph.D. student, Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen
The harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), biocontrol agent turned invasive species, has rapidly spread throughout Europe since 2002, and in its wake, population declines of several native ladybirds have ensued. This presentation will shed light on trophic interactions involving the harlequin ladybird including interspecific competition for aphids with native predatory bugs (Anthocoris nemoralis) and intraguild predation with these bugs. Furthermore, evidence is accruing that naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi are exploiting this relatively new resource – recent results of this will be presented and discussed!
