Abstract
Harmonia axyridis is a ladybird extensively used around the world for biological control of agricultural pests. However, it has become invasive in several countries, producing negative ecological and socio-economic impacts. Herein, we review the invasion history of the Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) in Ecuador. Although first reported in Ecuador in 2012, museum specimens date back to 2004 and it is currently established across the country, especially along the Andean region. Due to its invasive nature, further studies are urgently needed to evaluate possible impacts of H. axyridis on the Ecuadorian biodiversity and agroindustry.
Highlights
Numerous species have arrived at regions they would have never reached on their own thanks to human-mediated processes (Ricciardi, 2007; Boivin et al, 2016)
We collected information for 294 records of Harmonia axyridis from 53 localities in Ecuador (Figs. 1, 2), including: 106 specimens collected during field surveys and deposited at ZSFQ, 11 individuals recorded during field surveys but uncollected, 37 museum specimens (37 at QCAZ, none at MECN), 118 individuals recorded in iNaturalist, five photographic records from
Our study reveals that H. axyridis is nowadays established in all main biogeographic regions of Ecuador, from sea level to at least 4020 m elevation, across 16 provinces (Fig. 1)
Summary
Numerous species have arrived at regions they would have never reached on their own thanks to human-mediated processes (Ricciardi, 2007; Boivin et al, 2016). Many non-native species are unable to thrive in new environments, some are successful and become invasive by establishing fast-growing, spreading populations. Invasive species have been described as major drivers of current biodiversity changes due to their contribution to biota homogenization, alteration of biological communities and ecosystem functions, and socio-economic impacts on humans It has been deliberately translocated as a control agent in America, Europe and Africa since the beginning of the 20th century, establishing naturalized and expanding populations in the three continents, becoming invasive (Lombaert et al, 2010; Brown et al, 2011). It is a successful invader due to its wide dietary range, ability to establish and disperse, and robustness and flexibility of its immune system
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