Abstract
In years 2015 and 2016 around 200 specimens of ladybird species Harmonia axyridis were collected in Slovenia. Ladybirds were dissected and checked under stereomicroscope for presence of nematodes. Nematodes were discovered in samples of ladybirds H. axyridis collected at Brdo pri Lukovici and Trboje. The incidence of parasitized ladybirds was around 30 %. Nematodes were analysed morphometrically and the characteristic features of Parasitylenchus bifurcatus nematodes were observed: straight stylet lacking basal thickenings, a bursa and a forked tail tip in the vermiform females and juvenile males. The identity was confirmed with 18S rDNA region sequence (acc. no. LT629306 and LT629307) which showed high similarity (>99.9 % nucleotide identity) to the P. bifurcatus sequences in the public domain. This is a first report of P. bifurcatus nematode species found parasitizing ladybird Harmonia axyridis in Slovenia. The species compromises fecundity of its host and has therefore a potential to be used as a biological control agent to control high abundance of invasive H. axyridis ladybirds.
Highlights
The multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) originating from Asia has been applied as a biocontrol agent to control aphids and other harmful insects in orchards, vineyards, greenhouses, crop fields, and gardens (Koch 2003, Poinar and Steenberg 2012)
Multicolored Asian lady beetles collected in Slovenia in 2016 were found to be parasitized by nematode P. bifurcatus
Nematode species P. bifurcatus compromises fecundity of its host and has a potential to be used as a biological control agent to control high abundance of invasive ladybirds of H. axyridis species
Summary
The multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) originating from Asia has been applied as a biocontrol agent to control aphids and other harmful insects in orchards, vineyards, greenhouses, crop fields, and gardens (Koch 2003, Poinar and Steenberg 2012). Barbara GERIČ STARE, Saša ŠIRCA, Gregor UREK establishment of this introduced species in the natural environment will result in rapid spread and build-up of large populations endangering biodiversity of native insects as it feeds on numerous species of insects. It is a fruit pest since it feeds and aggregates on apples, pears and grapes. It endangers wine production as wine produced from grape clusters containing adult beetles has an unpleasant flavour and odour. It is a nuisance for humans since they try to overwinter in homes, release haemolymph from their legs when agitated (reflex bleed) leading to unpleasant odours and stains, and even occasionally bites humans and cause allergic reactions (Kovach, 2004)
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