Ecology of Harmonia axyridis in natural habitats within its native range

Abstract

Originally distributed in northeast Asia, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is now found throughout much of the temperate zone. In its native area, H. axyridis maintains stable populations in heterogeneous and temporary habitats because of its great ability to find prey and reproduce, coupled with density-dependent and self-regulatory population regulation. A negative correlation of H. axyridis on the biodiversity of the aphidophagous community has been observed in its native range. The decrease in biodiversity may be mainly caused by the wider range of habitats available to H. axyridis than to the coexisting species. From a theoretical perspective, density-dependent regulation of H. axyridis populations, e.g., cannibalism, may be more important in maintaining the H. axyridis-dominated system, probably than is intraguild predation. Habitat heterogeneity may also be important to the coexistence of H. axyridis and other predators in both native and invaded areas.