Habitat generalization of a predatory ladybird,Harmonia yedoensis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), in an allopatric area with respect to its sibling species Harmonia axyridis

In central Japan, Harmonia yedoensis is a specialist ladybird that is confined to pine tree habitats, whereas its sibling species Harmonia axyridis is a generalist that feeds on a wide range of aphid species in nature. Interestingly, H. axyridis is not distributed in the Ryukyu Archipelago, southern Japan. We hypothesized that the ecological niche of H. yedoensis should be wider in the Ryukyu Archipelago, where its competitor species in central Japan, H. axyridis, is absent. We undertook fieldwork and a survey of published works to examine habitat utilization by H. yedoensis in the Ryukyu Archipelago. We found that H. yedoensis adults in the Ryukyu Archipelago visited several kinds of deciduous trees, including wild tamarind, Chinese hibiscus, Taiwan cherry and Malayan banyan, as well as pine trees. These observations suggest that habitat generalization has occurred in H. yedoensis in the Ryukyu Archipelago, where it does not compete with H. axyridis.     

Sex-dependent effects of sibling cannibalism on life history traits of the ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

To investigate the sex-dependent effects of sibling cannibalism on variations in life history traits, I analysed body size, weight and instar interval in relation to the occurrence of sibling cannibalism in the ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis. Sibling cannibalism at the time of hatching significantly affected the body size and weight of adults. There was a 2.32% and 1.05% increase in the body size of males and females, respectively, and a 3.55% increase and a 2.30% decrease in their respective body weights. Sibling cannibalism also significantly shortened the total and larval instar intervals, by 4.24% in males and by 1.22% in females, mainly due to shortening of the first instar. These results suggest that the effects of sibling cannibalism on life history traits are sex-differentiated and are greater in males than in females. A simulation of aphid density indicated that shortening the instar interval affected larval survival; the aphid density when the larvae completed development was 39.71% and 10.52% larger for cannibalistic males and females, respectively, than for non-cannibals. These results suggest that sibling cannibalism promotes more rapid development and larger adult size, although the effect was more pronounced in males than in females. Faster development may be adaptive for resource tracking, and the large adult size may increase fecundity in females and mating success in males through female mate choice, both resulting in an increase in the fitness of cannibals.  © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 76 , 349–360.     

环境颜色对异色瓢虫生长发育及繁殖能力的影响

在室内利用不同颜色的饲养容器,对异色瓢虫Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) 生长发育、体长体重变化及繁殖能力进行了比较研究。结果显示：不同环境颜色条件对异色瓢虫幼虫各龄历期均有显著影响; 尽管蛹期受不同颜色影响显著,但其总胚后发育期在各处理间差异不显著。异色瓢虫1龄和2龄幼虫体长增量在不同颜色处理间无显著差异,但3龄幼虫在红色条件下体长增量显著小于其余各处理。不同环境颜色条件下异色瓢虫各虫期体重增量均有显著差异,而4龄幼虫体重增量在各处理中均显著大于其余各虫期,并占总胚后发育期体重增量的50%以上。异色瓢虫成虫的交配持续时间在各处理间无显著差异,但其产卵前期在黄色及绿色条件下显著小于其余各处理。其首堆产卵量在各处理间无显著差异,但在红色及自然光下的48 h累计产卵量均显著小于其余处理。     

异色瓢虫不同色斑型成虫的耐寒性研究

【目的】研究异色瓢虫Harmonia axyridi不同色斑型成虫的耐寒能力,以明确其色斑型比例所呈现的季节性变化的适应意义。【方法】本文测定了异色瓢虫实验种群和自然种群不同色斑型成虫的过冷却点(Supercooling point,SCP)及低温存活率。【结果】同一发育温度下异色瓢虫实验种群不同色斑型成虫的SCP和低温存活率均没有显著性差异(P>0.05),但是低温暴露中饲养在25℃下成虫的存活率下降更为剧烈。异色瓢虫自然种群黑底型与黄底型成虫的SCP呈现出明显的季节性变化,其SCP在7月份最高,分别为﹣8.2℃和﹣7.5℃;在1月份达到最低,分别为﹣16.8℃和﹣18.2℃。越冬开始(11月)黑底型成虫的SCP低于黄底型成虫的,整个越冬期间黄底型成虫的SCP一直低于黑底型成虫的,但是异色瓢虫黑底型与黄底型越冬成虫的低温存活率却没有显著性差异(P>0.05)。【结论】越冬期间异色瓢虫黄底型成虫的SCP低于黑底型的,这样可以通过体液过冷却的方式来避免结冰造成的伤害,以增强其越冬种群的耐寒能力,这也可能是越冬期间异色瓢虫黄底型成虫数量显著上升的一个原因。     

Molecular identification of AFLP fragments associated with elytra color variation of the Asian ladybird beetle,Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The Asian ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis shows polymorphism in elytra color patterns. However, it is uncertain whether these color patterns are regulated by genetic factors. This investigation used amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis to determine any genetic causes of the variability of color patterns. Using four individuals of each group, AFLP analysis produced 37 polymorphic bands. Among several polymorphic bands, six AFLP markers were associated with elytra color patterns after further analysis using six additional individuals of each group. These polymorphic sites were sequenced but did not match DNA sequence data deposited in GenBank. Based on the color-associated AFLP markers, SCAR primers were designed for PCR amplification of genomic DNA. These primers (SCAR 12 and SCAR 44) were used to analyze color-associated loci and/or alleles of H. axyridis DNA. SCAR 12 primers designed from a Spectabilis type-specific fragment (AFLP 12) amplified a specific band of 530 bp in four Spectabilis individuals, but not in the insects with other color patterns.     

Geographic color variation of Phelotrupes auratus (Coleoptera,Geotrupidae) in the Kinki region,central Japan: A quantitative spectrophotometric analysis

We investigated geographic color variation of the beetle Phelotrupes auratus in the Kinki region of central Japan using a spectrophotometer. The reflectance spectrum of the dorsal surface of the elytron was measured for beetles collected from 23 sites. We focused on λmax(α), the wavelength at the peak (α peak) between 400 and 700 nm (human visual sensitivity range), for analyses of color variation. In populations distributed on the Kii Peninsula, in the southern part of the Kinki region, average λmax(α) values were lower (480–497 nm) than in populations distributed in the area west of Lake Biwa, the western part of the Kinki region (618–633 nm). For populations distributed in the areas south and southeast of Lake Biwa, a geographic cline of λmax(α) was observed approximately along an east–west transect, with average λmax values varying continuously from 624 to 557 nm. The easternmost populations along this cline had almost the same λmax(α) values as the populations distributed west of Lake Biwa. The coefficient of variation for λmax(α) tended to be larger in populations with intermediate averages than those with lower or higher average values.     

The potential impacts of the arrival of the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), in Britain

Abstract.  1. The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis , has recently arrived in Britain.
2. This species has been introduced from Asia into many parts of the world for biological control purposes.
3. In many parts of North America it has become the predominant aphidophagous coccinellid in less than 20 years, and in north-western Europe it is spreading and increasing in number rapidly.
4. Since establishment in North America and continental Europe, reports of its effectiveness as a biological control agent of aphids and coccids have been accompanied by accounts of negative effects on other aphidophagous species and humans.
5. Here the potential impacts of the arrival of the harlequin ladybird in Britain are assessed.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), and cross-species amplification within the family Coccinellidae

A total of 18 microsatellite DNA loci were isolated and characterized from the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). We optimized a multiplex panel consisting of two polymerase chain reactions, allowing the genotyping of all loci. The number of alleles and heterozygosity observed at each locus ranged from 1 to 12 and from 0 to 100%, respectively. After Bonferroni correction for multiple tests, none of the loci deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and there was no indication of significant linkage disequilibrium among pairs of loci. Successful cross-species amplification was obtained for only three of the seven tested species of Coccinellidae.     

异色瓢虫成虫耐寒能力的季节性变化

为研究异色瓢虫Harmonia axyridis自然种群耐寒能力的季节性变化,测定了其过冷却点、体内含水量及总脂肪含量和低温存活力。结果表明：异色瓢虫成虫低温存活力呈现出明显的季节性变化,越冬前成虫的耐寒性显著强于夏季成虫和越冬后成虫。冷驯化（5℃, 5 d）可以显著提高夏季成虫的低温存活力。雌雄成虫过冷却点和体内含水量随气温的降低而降低,升高而升高。过冷却点7月份最高,分别为−7.6℃和−8.0℃;越冬中期（2008-01-15）最低,分别为−18.1℃ 和−16.9℃。雌雄成虫体内含水量9月份最高,分别为66.87%和68.01%,10月份显著降低,越冬后期（2008-02-19）最低,分别为52.94%和51.53%。越冬期间过冷却点和体内含水量显著低于其他时期。而雌雄成虫体内总脂肪含量在越冬开始就达到最高,分别为50.07%和47.93%,随后又逐渐降低,越冬期间显著高于其他时期。由此可知异色瓢虫自然种群的耐寒性呈现出明显的季节性变化,文中还就异色瓢虫自然种群耐寒性影响因素及其越冬策略进行了讨论。     

Differences in biological and behavioural characteristics of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) according to colour patterns of elytra

Samples of overwintering populations of Harmonia axyridis were classified into five colour patterns, succinea 1, succinea 2, conspicua, spectabilis and axyridis. Generally, the succinea 1 colour pattern was dominant at six collecting sites in Daejon and Chungnam provinces of Korea and their occurrence proportion was over 50%. Non‐melanic forms such as succinea 1 and 2 were noted in about 90% of collected individuals. On the other hand, conspicua and spectabilis as melanic forms were dominant in the laboratory. One hypothesis is that the difference between field and laboratory populations is related to non‐random mating and environmental conditions. Practically, in mate‐choice experiments, most colour pattern ladybirds seemed to mate with the melanic form, especially the conspicua form. The body size (length) of H. axyridis in colour patterns was slightly different, but in females, there was no significant difference among colour patterns. However, both lengths of males were significantly different among colour patterns. In reproductive ability (fecundity), there was no difference among colour patterns.     

Geographical variations of elytral color polymorphism in Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The geographical variation in elytral color polymorphism in Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) was analyzed based on data from specimen surveys. In all, 1549 individuals collected from different latitudes throughout Indonesia to Japan were categorized into 20 morph types of elytra. Results show that the morph types have a geographical cline: dark types increased with latitude, although the light types showed higher relative frequency in lower latitudes, which suggests that the geographic variation in elytral color polymorphism in C. sexmaculata is a product of selection by climate. The darker morph types might be advantageously able to make fuller use of insolation at higher latitudes, whereas the lighter morph types were likely to reduce heat stress at lower latitudes. In most areas across Southeast and South Asia, all specimens were of the lightest type, which may imply either: (i) the saturation of genes expressing light morph types, which have less solar absorption, due to tropical climate; or (ii) an enhanced warning function of bright red against predators. On Miyako Island of Japan, a unique frequency of morph types was found compared to the adjacent areas.     

Heterospecific sperm reduction in interspecific crosses between two closely related phytophagous ladybird beetles,Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata and H. pustulosa (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

In interspecific crosses, a mismatch in internal physiological conditions between two species can reduce sperm viability in the interval from insemination to fertilization, leading to gametic isolation. Two closely related Japanese phytophagous ladybird beetles, Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata and H. pustulosa, show several isolating barriers, including reduction in the number of heterospecific sperm in the female reproductive tract and low egg‐hatching rates in interspecific matings. However, the mechanisms of these two potential isolating barriers and the association between them are unknown. Here we investigated temporal changes in the number of sperm stored in the female reproductive tract and egg‐hatching rates in inter‐ and intraspecific crosses between these species. Although the number of sperm decreased after both inter‐ and intraspecific crosses, the reduction was more drastic in inter‐ than in intraspecific crosses for females of both species. Most of the sperm reduction occurred early on, during sperm transfer from the bursa copulatrix to the paired ampullae of the common oviduct (the sperm storage organs). These two species also demonstrated stably low egg‐hatching rates in interspecific crosses. Since the degree and timing of the sperm reduction did not correlate with egg‐hatching rates, the reduction in heterospecific sperm in interspecific crosses may not directly cause the low hatching rates. These two isolating barriers could be different expressions of the physiological mismatch and/or genetic incompatibility between gametes of these species.     

Role of photoperiod in the development and reproduction of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera,Coccinellidae)

To improve the laboratory mass rearing and the winter greenhouse use of the multicoloured Asian lady beetle Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), the effects of photoperiod on the development and fecundity of H. axyridis were investigated at 20°C and photoperiods ranging from 0L:24D to 24L:0D. We foun'd photoperiod to significantly affect the pre-imaginal development and reproduction of H. axyridis. The development of the pre-imaginal stage was significantly faster at shorter photoperiods (0–14?h) than at longer ones (16–24?h). The proportion of females laying eggs within the first 30 days after eclosion, the mean number of eggs per ovipositing female, and the long axial length of the first oocyte were all lower at shorter photoperiods (6–12?h) than at longer ones (14–24?h). These results suggest that adult H. axyridis may encounter problems in preying and reproducing in the winter conditions of unheated and unilluminated greenhouses in areas with temperatures lower than 20°C and day lengths shorter than 12?h.     

Individual variation in two host plants of the ladybird beetle,Epilachna pustulosa (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Individual variation in two species of host plants (thistle,Cirsium kamtschaticum, and blue cohosh,Caulophyllum robustum) of the herbivorous ladybird beetleEpilachna pustulosa was examined under laboratory conditions for their acceptability to adult beetles as a food resource, for adult preference and for larval performance. When clones of these plants were subjected to non-choice tests using posthibernating female beetles, there was found to be significant intraspecific variation among clones in terms of their acceptability, but interspecific variation was not detected. Significant intraspecific as well as interspecific variation were frequently detected in the two host plants when clones of these plants were subjected to choice tests using posthibernating female beetles; the magnitude of interspecific plant variation for beetle preference is not necessarily larger than that of intraspecific plant variation. Individual variation across plant species with respect to beetle larval performance was also significant. A positive correlation between adult preference and larval performance is suggested across the two taxonomically remote host plant species, thistle and blue cohosh, although this needs further investigation.     

Mating rates and the prevalence of male‐killing Spiroplasma in Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Maternally inherited bacteria that kill male but not female hosts during embryogenesis have been widely reported in invertebrates. Harmonia axyridis is one of the species infected by male‐killing Spiroplasma. The presence of male‐killers in host populations can lead to the occurrence of extremely female‐biased sex ratios. Furthermore, infected females may have fewer chances to mate if males can discriminate between infected and uninfected females and prefer the latter. Although there have been many investigations of male‐killer infection rates in H. axyridis, little is known about the influence of host mating on male‐killer infection dynamics. We investigated copulation rates and changes in infection frequency in a wild population of H. axyridis in western Japan. Almost all infected females collected each year laid fertilized eggs and had therefore mated. Mean infection rates of females collected each year were 13% in 2003, 15% in 2012 and 23% in 2013. Statistical analysis showed that neither the copulation rate nor the infection rate differed significantly among years. These results suggest that the infection rate of H. axyridis with male‐killing Spiroplasma is kept approximately constant and that there is no difference in the chance of mating with infected and uninfected females.     

异色瓢虫卵黄蛋白单克隆抗体的制备及鉴定

【目的】为了能准确地追踪异色瓢虫Harmonia axyridis (Pallas)卵黄原蛋白（vitellogenin, Vg）的合成、转运途径和吸收方式,以及卵黄蛋白（vitellin, Vn）在卵母细胞内的积累及分布情况,本研究对异色瓢虫的Vn进行了单克隆抗体（monoclonal antibody, McAb）的制备。【方法】以异色瓢虫Vn免疫BLAB/C小鼠,应用杂交瘤技术,经过3次亚克隆筛选,制备能稳定分泌抗Vn的单克隆抗体。【结果】实验获得4株能够稳定分泌抗异色瓢虫Vn的单克隆抗体,即5E2, 5E11, 1E9和5H8。其中1E9, 5E11和5E2亚型均为IgG1,5H8亚型为IgM。Western blot免疫印迹分析显示,4株单克隆抗体可以特异性地识别Vn,而与雄虫血淋巴无反应。其中,5E2和1E9可以与异色瓢虫抗原的4个亚基发生较强的免疫反应,结合腹水制备前上清效价检测结果最终选取5E2制备单克隆抗体。5E2单克隆抗体的效价为1∶81 000,SDS-PAGE分析显示5E2重链和轻链的分子量分别为50和27 kD。【结论】本实验成功制备出一株能够稳定分泌抗异色瓢虫Vn的单克隆抗体,为建立酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）方法测定其动态变化奠定了基础。     

Ontogeny of protein concentration,haemocyte concentration and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli in haemolymph of the invasive harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The harlequin ladybird is considered to be one of the most successful invasive insect species. Among other traits, its invasive success is considered to be caused by a powerful immune system. In the present study, we investigate the ontogenetic profile of protein concentration, concentration of circulating haemocytes and constitutive antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli in Harmonia axyridis haemolymph during late larval development and early adult life. Protein concentration increases during the first 32 days of adult life from 45 to 100 mg per mL of haemolymph and reaches intermediate values during larval stages. The concentration of circulating haemocytes is very low (5000 haemocytes per μL of haemolymph) in late larval stages and increases strongly during first 8 days of adult life to values of approximately 30 000 haemocytes per μL of haemolymph. The killing efficiency of haemolymph against E. coli is lowest in larval stages, rapidly increases in the prepupal stage and then steadily grows during the whole period of adult life. There are no significant effects of sex on any of the investigated physiological or immune parameters. In general, the patterns observed for H. axyridis contrast with many results that are reported for other insects (e.g. bees, fruit flies, crickets or mosquitoes). One possible explanation is the contrasting life history of H. axyridis, with a fast preimaginal development and a long adult lifespan being linked to a long reproductive period. Substantial variation in physiological and immune parameters during ontogeny also has important methodological implications because individuals of exactly the same stage/age have to be employed for comparative studies.     

异色瓢虫成虫体型及体内脂肪含量对其耐寒能力的影响

为明确异色瓢虫Harmonia axyridis (Pallas)成虫体型及体内脂肪含量对其耐寒能力的影响, 本研究在2种发育温度(18℃和25℃)下通过表型可塑性诱导获得了不同体型的异色瓢虫成虫, 测定了成虫体型大小、体内脂肪含量、过冷却点(supercooling point, SCP)及其在恒定低温(constant low temperature, CLT)和变温(fluctuating thermal regime, FTR)下的存活率。结果表明: 较低发育温度(18℃)下的成虫体型比25℃下的明显大(P<0.01), 体内脂肪含量显著高于25℃下的(P<0.01); 且两2种发育温度下成虫体内脂肪含量与虫体干重呈较好的正相关关系。由SCP频次分布图可知, 饲养在18℃下的成虫SCP主要集中在-8 ~ -6℃范围内, 饲养在25℃下的成虫SCP主要集中在-10 ~ -9℃范围内; 且成虫体型大小与过冷却能力呈现负相关关系。经过相同时间低温暴露后成虫的存活率按下列顺序降低: FTR18℃＞FTR25℃＞CLT18℃＞CLT25℃。结果表明低温暴露过程中脂肪贮存对异色瓢虫成虫存活是非常重要的, 但是冷伤害是影响存活的基本因素。     

Effects of photoperiod and diet on diapause tendency,maturation and fecundity in Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The effects of photoperiodic conditions of larval development and adult maturation (L : D = 12 : 12 vs. 18 : 6) and different diets (sugar solution, frozen eggs of Sitotroga cerealella, different numbers of aphids Myzus persicae, and their combinations) on survival, reproductive maturation and fecundity of Harmonia axyridis were studied in laboratory conditions. The fundamental aim of the work was to distinguish between cue effect of diet (neurohormonal triggering of reproduction) and direct effect of diet (nutritional maintenance of reproduction). When adults were kept under short‐day conditions, the proportion of ovipositing females decreased and the duration of the pre‐oviposition period increased. Moreover, a strong reaction to the direction of changes in the day length was demonstrated: when larvae and pupae developed at long day and adults were transferred to short day, the proportion of ovipositing females was much lower than in individuals that were permanently kept under short‐day conditions. The percentage of ovipositing females, the rate of their reproductive maturation and the average daily fecundity gradually increased in the following succession of diets: ‘sugar + 5 aphids per day < sugar + eggs < sugar + eggs + 5 aphids per day < sugar + 100 aphids per day’. However, dissection showed that most of the non‐laying females fed on these diets (particularly those kept under long‐day conditions) have started reproductive maturation, while even first stages of oogenesis were not found in females fed on sugar solution alone. We conclude that cue effect of diet (reproductive activation) can be achieved almost independently of the number of prey consumed, while nutritional effects (the rate of reproductive maturation and fecundity) are sensitive both to the quality and quantity of food.