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Almdal CD, Costamagna AC. Annual Crops Contribute More Predators than Perennial Habitats during an Aphid Outbreak. INSECTS 2023; 14:624. [PMID: 37504631 PMCID: PMC10380491 DOI: 10.3390/insects14070624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Crops and semi-natural habitats provide predator populations with varying floral and prey resources, but their individual role on predator movement has seldom been studied. Here, we tease apart the role of adjacent habitats, predator abundance in the adjacent habitat, and soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) abundance in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) on predator movement into soybean. We studied 12 soybean fields adjacent to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), canola (Brassica napus L.), spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), or woody vegetation, during a soybean aphid outbreak. Bidirectional Malaise traps and sticky traps were used to quantify predator movement between and abundance within soybean and adjacent habitats, respectively. Field plant counts were conducted to quantify aphid abundance in soybean. Coccinellidae and Syrphidae were the two most abundant families collected. Coccinellids and Eupeodes americanus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Syrphidae) had net movement in soybean and their movement increased with aphid abundance. Movement of E. americanus was highest from wheat, coccinellid abundance was higher in wheat than woody vegetation, Toxomerus marginatus (Say) (Diptera: Syrphidae) abundance was highest in canola, and all other predators were more abundant in canola than woody vegetation. In general, our study suggests that annual crops have and provide more predators to soybean during aphid outbreaks than perennial habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal D Almdal
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, 217 Animal Science/Entomology Building, 12 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Alejandro C Costamagna
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, 217 Animal Science/Entomology Building, 12 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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2
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Hesler LS, Beckendorf EA. Declining Abundance of Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) Among Crop and Prairie Habitats of Eastern South Dakota, USA. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.742036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lady (= ladybird) beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) provide agroecosystem services as major predators of aphids and other pests of field crops. Several native coccinellids in North America have declined in association with the introduction of invasive species of lady beetles. In particular, populations of three native species declined drastically (Coccinella transversoguttata richardsoni) or effectively disappeared (Coccinella novemnotata, Adalia bipunctata) from agricultural landscapes in eastern South Dakota, U.S.A., following establishment of an invasive coccinellid (Coccinella septempunctata) in the 1980s. Since then, two other non-native coccinellids (Harmonia axyridis and Hippodamia variegata) have established in eastern South Dakota, but long-term analysis of their impact on the aphidophagous coccinellid guild is lacking. This paper summarizes long-term results from 14 years (2007–2020) of sampling coccinellids by sweepnet and timed searches in five field crops and restored prairie in eastern South Dakota. In all, 17,338 aphidophagous coccinellids comprising 10 species were sampled. Two invasive species (Coc. septempunctata, Har. axyridis) were the third- and fourth-most abundant species, respectively. The seven most abundant species constituted 99% of all coccinellids sampled and were recorded from all six habitats. However, coccinellid species ranged considerably in their evenness of habitat use, resulting in differences in rank abundance among habitats. Coccinellid assemblages were similar for alfalfa and winter wheat, but not for other habitats, which possessed distinct coccinellid assemblages based on rank abundance. Annual abundance of coccinellids varied considerably within habitats, but declining trends were evident from significant negative regressions in annual abundance for adult and immature coccinellids in corn and adults in soybean. As a group, native adult coccinellids showed a significant declining trend in corn but not in other habitats, whereas trends for non-native adult coccinellids were non-significant in all habitats. Sample rates of coccinellids in alfalfa, spring grains, and corn in this study were 74, 26, and 6%, respectively, compared to that of a previous study from the region, further indicating substantial decreases in coccinellid abundance. Possible explanations and implications for observed patterns in coccinellid diversity and individual species abundances in field crops and restored prairie of eastern South Dakota are discussed with respect to prey, agronomic trends, and landscape factors.
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Perez‐Alvarez R, Grab H, Polyakov A, Poveda K. Landscape composition mediates the relationship between predator body size and pest control. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 31:e02365. [PMID: 33938606 PMCID: PMC8459275 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms contributing to positive relationships between predator diversity and natural pest control is fundamental to inform more effective management practices to support sustainable crop production. Predator body size can provide important insights to better understand and predict such predator-pest interactions. Yet, most studies exploring the link between predator body size and pest control have been conducted in species-poor communities under controlled environmental conditions, limiting our ability to generalize this relationship across heterogeneous landscapes. Using the community of naturally occurring ground beetles in cabbage fields, we examined how landscape composition (percent cropland) influences the size structure (mean, variance, and skewness of body size distribution) of predator communities and the subsequent effects on pest control. We found that predator communities shifted their size distribution toward larger body sizes in agriculturally dominated landscapes. This pattern arose from increasing numerical dominance of a few large-bodied species rather than an aggregated response across the community. Such landscape-driven changes in community size structure led to concomitant impacts on pest control, as the mean body size of predators was positively related to predation rates. Notably, the magnitude of pest control depended not only on the size of the dominant predators but was also strongly determined by the relative proportion of small vs. large-bodied species (i.e., skewness). Predation rates were higher in predator assemblages with even representation of small and large-bodied species relative to communities dominated by either large or small-bodied predators. Landscape composition may therefore modulate the relationship between predator body size and pest control by influencing the body size distribution of co-occurring species. Our study highlights the need to consider agricultural practices that not only boost effective predators, but also sustain a predator assemblage with a diverse set of traits to maximize overall pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Perez‐Alvarez
- Department of EntomologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew York14853USA
- Zoological BiodiversityInstitute of GeobotanyLeibniz University of HannoverHannover30167Germany
| | - Heather Grab
- Department of EntomologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew York14853USA
- School of Integrative Plant ScienceCornell UniversityIthacaNew York14853USA
| | - Anthony Polyakov
- Department of EntomologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew York14853USA
| | - Katja Poveda
- Department of EntomologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew York14853USA
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Li H, Li B, Lövei GL, Kring TJ, Obrycki JJ. Interactions Among Native and Non-Native Predatory Coccinellidae Influence Biological Control and Biodiversity. ANNALS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 114:119-136. [PMID: 33732410 PMCID: PMC7953206 DOI: 10.1093/aesa/saaa047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 30 yr, multiple species of predatory Coccinellidae, prominently Coccinella septempunctata L. and Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) have spread to new continents, influencing biodiversity and biological control. Here we review the mechanisms underlying these ecological interactions, focusing on multi-year field studies of native and non-native coccinellids and those using molecular and quantitative ecological methods. Field data from Asia show that H. axyridis, C. septempunctata, and Propylea japonica (Thunberg) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are regularly among the most abundant predatory species but their rank varies by habitat. Studies of these species in their native Asian range, primarily related to their range in mainland China, document different patterns of seasonal abundance, species specific associations with prey, and habitat separation. Intraguild predation is well documented both in Asia and in newly invaded areas, and H. axyridis benefits most from this interaction. Harmonia axyridis also seems to rely more on cannibalism in times of prey scarcity than other species, and relatively sparse data indicate a lower predation pressure on it from natural enemies of coccinellids. Declines in the abundance of native coccinellids following the spread and increase of non-native species, documented in several multi-year studies on several continents, is a major concern for native biodiversity and the persistence of native coccinellid species. We suggest that future studies focus more attention on the community ecology of these invasive species in their native habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongran Li
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Entomology, School of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Baoping Li
- Department of Entomology, School of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Gábor L Lövei
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Flakkebjerg Research Centre, Forsøgsvej 1, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Timothy J Kring
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - John J Obrycki
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Corresponding author, e-mail: john.
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Anjos LD, Costa MIDS, Almeida RC. Rapid spread agents may impair biological control in a tritrophic food web with intraguild predation. ECOLOGICAL COMPLEXITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecocom.2021.100926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Gardiner MM, Perry KI, Riley CB, Turo KJ, Delgado de la flor YA, Sivakoff FS. Community science data suggests that urbanization and forest habitat loss threaten aphidophagous native lady beetles. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:2761-2774. [PMID: 33767834 PMCID: PMC7981222 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Community scientists have illustrated rapid declines of several aphidophagous lady beetle (Coccinellidae) species. These declines coincide with the establishment of alien coccinellids. We established the Buckeye Lady Beetle Blitz program to measure the seasonal occupancy of coccinellids within gardens across a wide range of landscape contexts. Following the Habitat Compression Hypothesis, we predicted that gardens within agricultural landscapes would be alien-dominated, whereas captures of natives would be higher within landscapes encompassing a high concentration of natural habitat.Within the state of Ohio, USA, community scientists collected lady beetles for a 7-day period across 4 years in June and August using yellow sticky card traps. All identifications were verified by professional scientists and beetles were classified by three traits: status (alien or native), mean body length, and primary diet. We compared the relative abundance and diversity of coccinellids seasonally and determined if the distribution of beetles by size, status, and diet was related to landscape features.Alien species dominated the aphidophagous fauna. Native aphidophagous coccinellid abundance was positively correlated with forest habitat while alien species were more common when gardens were embedded within agricultural landscapes. Urbanization was negatively associated with both aphidophagous alien and native coccinellids. Synthesis and Applications: Our census of native coccinellid species within residential gardens-a widespread and understudied habitat-was enabled by volunteers. These data will serve as an important baseline to track future changes within coccinellid communities within this region. We found that native coccinellid species richness and native aphidophagous coccinellid abundance in gardens were positively associated with forest habitat at a landscape scale of 2 km. However, our understanding of when and why (overwintering, summer foraging, or both) forest habitats are important remains unclear. Our findings highlight the need to understand how declining aphidophagous native species utilize forest habitats as a conservation priority.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kayla I. Perry
- Department of EntomologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Christopher B. Riley
- Department of EntomologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
- Bartlett Tree Research LaboratoriesCharlotteNCUSA
| | | | - Yvan A. Delgado de la flor
- Department of EntomologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
- California Department of Pesticide RegulationSacramentoCAUSA
| | - Frances S. Sivakoff
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal BiologyThe Ohio State UniversityMarionOHUSA
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7
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Insights into aphid prey consumption by ladybirds: Optimising field sampling methods and primer design for high throughput sequencing. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235054. [PMID: 32609728 PMCID: PMC7329105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the diets of insect predators is important in basic and applied ecology, such as for improving the effectiveness of conservation biological control measures to promote natural enemies of crop pests. Here, we investigated the aphid diet of two common aphid predators in Central European agroecosystems, the native Coccinella septempunctata (Linnaeus) and the invasive Harmonia axyridis (Pallas; Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) by means of high throughput sequencing (HTS). For acquiring insights into diets of mobile flying insects at landscape scale minimizing trapping bias is important, which imposes methodological challenges for HTS. We therefore assessed the suitability of three field sampling methods (sticky traps, pan traps and hand-collection) as well as new aphid primers for identifying aphid prey consumption by coccinellids through HTS. The new aphid primers facilitate identification to species level in 75% of the European aphid genera investigated. Aphid primer specificity was high in silico and in vitro but low in environmental samples with the methods used, although this could be improved in future studies. For insect trapping we conclude that sticky traps are a suitable method in terms of minimizing sampling bias, contamination risk and trapping success, but compromise on DNA-recovery rate. The aphid diets of both field-captured ladybird species were dominated by Microlophium carnosum, the common nettle aphid. Another common prey was Sitobion avenae (cereal aphid), which got more often detected in C. septempunctata compared to H. axyridis. Around one third of the recovered aphid taxa were common crop pests. We conclude that sampling methodologies need constant revision but that our improved aphid primers offer currently one of the best solutions for broad screenings of coccinellid predation on aphids.
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8
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Abstract
Insect declines are being reported worldwide for flying, ground, and aquatic lineages. Most reports come from western and northern Europe, where the insect fauna is well-studied and there are considerable demographic data for many taxonomically disparate lineages. Additional cases of faunal losses have been noted from Asia, North America, the Arctic, the Neotropics, and elsewhere. While this review addresses both species loss and population declines, its emphasis is on the latter. Declines of abundant species can be especially worrisome, given that they anchor trophic interactions and shoulder many of the essential ecosystem services of their respective communities. A review of the factors believed to be responsible for observed collapses and those perceived to be especially threatening to insects form the core of this treatment. In addition to widely recognized threats to insect biodiversity, e.g., habitat destruction, agricultural intensification (including pesticide use), climate change, and invasive species, this assessment highlights a few less commonly considered factors such as atmospheric nitrification from the burning of fossil fuels and the effects of droughts and changing precipitation patterns. Because the geographic extent and magnitude of insect declines are largely unknown, there is an urgent need for monitoring efforts, especially across ecological gradients, which will help to identify important causal factors in declines. This review also considers the status of vertebrate insectivores, reporting bias, challenges inherent in collecting and interpreting insect demographic data, and cases of increasing insect abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Wagner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA;
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9
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Lowenstein DM, Andrews H, Hilton RJ, Kaiser C, Wiman NG. Establishment in an Introduced Range: Dispersal Capacity and Winter Survival of Trissolcus japonicus, an Adventive Egg Parasitoid. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10120443. [PMID: 31835648 PMCID: PMC6956049 DOI: 10.3390/insects10120443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The herbivorous brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, has spread globally, and one of its key parasitoids, Trissolcus japonicus, has recently been detected in the pest's introduced range. For an exotic natural enemy to impact its targeted host in a novel environment, it must disperse, locate hosts, and potentially be redistributed to susceptible sites. Through intentionally releasing T. japonicus across four Oregon eco-regions, we investigated an introduced parasitoid's dispersal capacity in urban sites and in two perennial crops, hazelnut and raspberry. In a second paired field and laboratory study, we investigated T. japonicus survival in different plant materials. Within three days of release, adult T. japonicus located host egg masses at 45% of sites and, one year later, were detected at 40% of release sites. Areas where released wasps survived winter were mostly urban or semi-natural. In commercial crop release experiments, we recovered the highest percentage of wasps in raspberry within 5 m of the release site but found no statistical difference in dispersal distance with some wasps dispersing up to 50 m. Adult parasitoids survived up to 16 weeks outdoors in the winter, with greater survival over time in bark compared to leaf litter. Wasp survival remained above 50% over the course of a simulated winter environment without precipitation. Our work affirms the continuation of H. halys parasitism by T. japonicus in novel environments and provides insight into the high population sizes necessary to survive winter and locate host egg masses the following season.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Lowenstein
- Macomb County Extension Services, Michigan State University, Clinton Township, MI 48036, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-586-469-6085
| | - Heather Andrews
- North Willamette Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University, Aurora, OR 97002, USA; (H.A.); (N.G.W.)
| | - Richard J. Hilton
- Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University, Central Point, OR 97502, USA;
| | - Clive Kaiser
- Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University, Hermiston, OR 97838, USA;
| | - Nik G. Wiman
- North Willamette Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University, Aurora, OR 97002, USA; (H.A.); (N.G.W.)
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10
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Vilcinskas A. Pathogens associated with invasive or introduced insects threaten the health and diversity of native species. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 33:43-48. [PMID: 31358194 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Insect populations are declining even in protected areas, but the underlying causes are unclear. Here, I consider whether the factors driving the loss of insect diversity include invasive and/or introduced insects transmitting pathogens to less-resistant native species. The introduction of insects into new areas for biocontrol, to promote pollination, or for mass rearing in insect farms, threatens the health and diversity of indigenous insects by the co-introduction of entomopathogens whose spillover is difficult to control. Even less virulent pathogens or covert infections can become lethal if environmental stressors weaken the resistance of indigenous host species in an additive, potentiating or synergistic manner. More research is needed to develop effective strategies that protect the health and diversity of native insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Dep. Bioresources, Leihgesterner Weg 85, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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11
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Sethuraman A, Janzen FJ, Rubio MA, Vasquez Y, Obrycki JJ. Demographic histories of three predatory lady beetles reveal complex patterns of diversity and population size change in the United States. INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 25:1065-1079. [PMID: 28503842 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 01/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Predatory lady beetles (Coccinellidae) contribute to biological control of agricultural pests, however, multiple species frequently compete for similar resources in the same environment. Numerous studies have examined ecological interactions among the native North American convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens) and two introduced species, the seven-spotted lady beetle (Coccinella septempunctata) and the Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis), in agricultural fields and described multiyear population dynamics. However, the evolutionary dynamics of these interacting species of predatory beetles are uncharacterized. We utilize publicly available multilocus genotype data from geographically disjunct populations of these three species to estimate demography across North American populations. Coalescent analyses reveal (1) a recent (∼4-5 years) decline (>12 fold) in microsatellite effective population size of H. convergens, while expanding (mutation scaled growth rate in 1/u generations = 2910, SD = 362) over evolutionary time scales, (2) a massive (>150 fold), and very recent, effective population size decline in Ha. axyridis, and (3) population size growth (mutation scaled growth rate = 997, SD = 60) over recent and evolutionary time scales in C. septempunctata. Although these estimates are based on genetic data with different mutation rates and patterns of inheritance (mitochondrial versus nuclear), these dynamic and differing population size histories are striking. Further studies of the interactions of these predatory lady beetles in the field are thus warranted to explore the consequences of population size change and biological control activities for evolutionary trajectories in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Sethuraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, California, USA
| | - Fredric J Janzen
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Michael A Rubio
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, California, USA
| | - Yumary Vasquez
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, California, USA
| | - John J Obrycki
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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12
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The infection of Harmonia axyridis by a parasitic nematode is mediated by entomopathogenic bacteria and triggers sex-specific host immune responses. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15938. [PMID: 30374104 PMCID: PMC6206131 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34278-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis is native to Asia but has been introduced into many countries as a biological control agent. It is now considered an invasive pest, threatening the biodiversity of native ladybirds globally, in part because of its superior immune system. H. axyridis is infected and killed by the parasitic nematode Parasitylenchus bifurcatus, which could therefore be developed as a biological strategy to counter the spread of this insect pest. However, effective control requires an understanding of the tripartite relationship between H. axyridis, P. bifurcatus and their potential bacterial mutualists. Here we describe the isolation of two species of nematode-associated bacteria (Serratia marcescens and Providencia rettgeri) which were highly virulent against H. axyridis in survival experiments. In addition, contact between the nematodes and beetles led to the sex-specific modulation of multiple host immunity-related genes after 24 and 48 h, with many genes encoding antimicrobial peptides rapidly and stably repressed in females whereas the same genes were initially induced in males before suppression at the later time point. These data provide evidence that the female immune system responds much more strongly to the nematodes and provokes, in turn, a more robust invasion strategy involving the bacterial mutualists.
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13
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Pezzini DT, Nystrom Santacruz EC, Koch RL. Predation and Parasitism of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Eggs in Minnesota. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 47:812-821. [PMID: 29878176 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvy085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), has spread across North America and is causing serious economic damages. Current management of this pest is based primarily on use of insecticides, which can disrupt integrated pest management programs. Alternatively, biological control is a more benign management tactic. This study provides the first examination of potential impact of parasitoids and predators of pentatomid eggs in Minnesota. Over 2 yr, 10,074 fresh and 9,870 frozen H. halys eggs were deployed in two forest and two soybean habitats in St. Paul, Minnesota from June to August. Our results demonstrate that rates of parasitism and predation were low, accounting for only 0.4 and 3.7%, respectively, across years, habitats, and egg states. In general, the parasitoid Telenomus podisi Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), had higher impacts on H. halys eggs in soybean, and generalist predators were more prevalent in forest habitats. Overall, predation was higher on fresh versus frozen eggs, and parasitism was not consistent across egg states. Although the rates of H. halys mortality due to natural enemies were low, results of our study may be conservative estimates of their true impact. Also, sentinel egg mass surveys should account for undeveloped parasitoids to better quantify H. halys egg mortality by native parasitoids. Alternative management tactics, such as the introduction of Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), could be considered to improve biological control of H. halys. Our findings serve as the foundation for future work on biological control of this pest and other pentatomids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela T Pezzini
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | - Robert L Koch
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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14
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Lee BW, Ugine TA, Losey JE. An Assessment of the Physiological Costs of Autogenous Defenses in Native and Introduced Lady Beetles. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 47:1030-1038. [PMID: 29846514 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvy068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Many lady beetles expel an autogenously produced alkaloid-rich 'reflex blood' as an antipredator defense. We conducted an experiment to determine whether there was a measurable fitness cost associated with the daily induction of this defensive behavior, and whether costs differed between native (Coccinella novemnotata Herbst (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)) and invasive species (Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)). Newly mated females were provided a restricted or unrestricted amount of aphids and were bled for 10 d. We measured the mass of reflex blood produced and the total number and viability of eggs laid per day. The amount of reflex blood released per day increased for C. septempunctata at the restricted level and did not change for any other species-diet level combination. We did not detect a significant cost of reflex bleeding on the quantity or viability of eggs laid by any species, even at the restricted aphid level. Remarkably, bled individuals at the ad libitum level laid significantly more viable eggs compared to controls. All species laid significantly fewer total eggs (49-69% fewer) at the low versus high aphid level. These results demonstrate that while resource scarcity has a negative impact on fecundity, repeated use of the reflex bleeding defense system does not. These results support the findings of other reports and strongly suggest that adult lady beetles incur no measurable physiological costs related to the induction of the reflex-bleeding defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin W Lee
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Todd A Ugine
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - John E Losey
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
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Jonsson T, Kaartinen R, Jonsson M, Bommarco R. Predictive power of food web models based on body size decreases with trophic complexity. Ecol Lett 2018; 21:702-712. [DOI: 10.1111/ele.12938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Jonsson
- Department of Ecology; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Box 7044 SE-75007 Uppsala Sweden
- Ecological Modelling group; School of Bioscience; University of Skövde; Box 408 SE-54128 Skövde Sweden
| | - Riikka Kaartinen
- Department of Ecology; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Box 7044 SE-75007 Uppsala Sweden
| | - Mattias Jonsson
- Department of Ecology; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Box 7044 SE-75007 Uppsala Sweden
| | - Riccardo Bommarco
- Department of Ecology; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Box 7044 SE-75007 Uppsala Sweden
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Verheggen FJ, Vogel H, Vilcinskas A. Behavioral and Immunological Features Promoting the Invasive Performance of the Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis. Front Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2017.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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17
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Lövei GL, Ferrante M. A review of the sentinel prey method as a way of quantifying invertebrate predation under field conditions. INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 24:528-542. [PMID: 27686246 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Sentinel prey can provide a direct, quantitative measure of predation under field conditions. Live sentinel prey provides more realistic data but rarely allows the partitioning of the total predation pressure; artificial prey is less natural but traces left by different predators are identifiable, making it suitable for comparative studies. We reviewed the available evidence of the use of both types of invertebrate sentinel prey. Fifty-seven papers used real prey, usually measuring predation on a focal (often pest) species, with studies overwhelmingly from North America. The median predation was 25.8% d-1 . Artificial sentinel prey (45 papers) were used in both temperate and tropical areas, placed more above ground than at ground level. The most commonly used artificial prey imitated a caterpillar. Up to 14 predator groups were identified, registering a median of 8.8% d-1 predation; half the studies reported only bird predation. Predation on real prey was higher than on artificial ones, but invertebrate predation was not higher than vertebrate predation. Invertertebrate but not vertebrate predation was negatively related to prey size. Predation near the Equator was not higher than at higher latitudes, nor in cultivated than noncultivated habitats. The use of sentinel prey is not yet standardised in terms of prey size, arrangement, exposure period or data reporting. Due to the simplicity and ease of use of the method, such standardisation may increase the usefulness of comparative studies, contributing to the understanding of the importance and level of predation in various habitats worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor L Lövei
- Department of Agroecology, Flakkebjerg Research Centre, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, DK-4200 Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Marco Ferrante
- Department of Agroecology, Flakkebjerg Research Centre, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, DK-4200 Slagelse, Denmark
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Yang F, Wang Q, Wang D, Xu B, Xu J, Lu Y, Harwood JD. Intraguild Predation Among Three Common Coccinellids (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in China: Detection Using DNA-Based Gut-Content Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 46:1-10. [PMID: 28025220 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvw154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of intraguild predation (IGP) has been widely recognized for predatory coccinellids (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). In Chinese agroecosystems, three species (Coccinella septempunctata L., Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), and Propylea japonica (Thunberg)) are particularly common, but there is little information of interactions occurring between them. In no-choice laboratory feeding trials, differential directional predation was observed between species: C. septempunctata preyed on eggs of P. japonica more than H. axyridis and H. axyridis consumed eggs of C. septempunctata and P. japonica equally, whereas P. japonica had a very low predation rate on eggs of the other two species. In choice trials, C. septempunctata and P. japonica larvae preyed less on H. axyridis eggs than those of P. japonica and C. septempunctata, respectively, contrasting with H. axyridis larvae, which showed similar preference for both species. Species-specific primers were developed for each coccinellid and used to determine the relative frequency of prey consumption in the field. Prior to field-based analysis, primer specificity was confirmed and consumption of prey elicited a positive reaction success, and detection time varied between different predator-prey combinations. Predators were then collected from cotton agroecosystems and, interestingly, no DNA of C. septempunctata was found in P. japonica, but all other predator-prey combinations yielded positive documentation of IGP in the field, with the greatest rate of 9% of C. septempunctata testing positive for H. axyridis DNA. This study confirmed the frequency of IGP among three common coccinellids in Chinese agroecosystems and the likelihood for interference to the biological control services provided by these important natural enemies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China (; ; ; )
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qian Wang
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China (; ; ; )
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi 830091, China
| | - Bin Xu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China (; ; ; )
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianxiang Xu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China (; ; ; )
| | - Yanhui Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - James D Harwood
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0091
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Ducatti RDB, Ugine TA, Losey J. Interactions of the Asian Lady Beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and the North American Native Lady Beetle, Coccinella novemnotata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): Prospects for Recovery Post-Decline. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 46:21-29. [PMID: 28049630 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvw153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The decline of the North American native lady beetle, Coccinella novemnotata Herbst, is strongly correlated with the introduction of Coccinella septempunctata L., and C. novemnotata are locally extirpated across much of the United States. Since C. novemnotata's decline, the invasive Harmonia axyridis Pallas has become dominant in North America. This study investigated whether H. axyridis has the potential to impede the recovery of C. novemnotata populations. To determine how H. axyridis interacts with C. novemnotata via intraguild predation and competition for prey, we paired first-instar C. novemnotata with first-instar H. axyridis at low and high densities of pea aphid. Coccinella novemnotata survival when paired interspecifically was significantly lower than H. axyridis survival at both aphid densities. Both species had similar weights at eclosion across aphid densities; however, H. axyridis developed faster than C. novemnotata. To examine the effect of larval size on intraguild interactions, we conducted a second experiment where we varied the C. novemnotata and H. axyridis instar in our pairings. Coccinella novemnotata survival and final weight increased when paired with younger H. axyridis larvae. The percentage survival of C. novemnotata in interspecific treatments, at the low aphid density, was lower than for same-aged C. novemnotata reared conspecifically, except for pairs initiated with C. novemnotata larvae that were two instars more advanced than H. axyridis larvae. These results suggest that intraguild predation and competition for prey by H. axyridis have the potential to affect the recovery of C. novemnotata populations negatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Dal Bosco Ducatti
- Department of Agronomy, Federal University of Fronteira Sul (UFFS), Rod. SC 484 Km 02, Bairro Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC 89801-001, Brazil
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, 169 Helios Circle, Ithaca, NY 14853-2601 (; )
| | - Todd A Ugine
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, 169 Helios Circle, Ithaca, NY 14853-2601 (; )
| | - John Losey
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, 169 Helios Circle, Ithaca, NY 14853-2601 (; )
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20
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Diepenbrock LM, Fothergill K, Tindall KV, Losey JE, Smyth RR, Finke DL. The Influence of Exotic Lady Beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Establishment on the Species Composition of the Native Lady Beetle Community in Missouri. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 45:855-864. [PMID: 27271949 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvw065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The diversity and abundance of native lady beetles (Coccinellidae) in North America has declined in recent decades. This decline is often correlated with the introduction and establishment of exotic lady beetle species, including Coccinella septempunctata L. and Harmonia axyridis Pallas, suggesting that exotic species precipitated the decline of native lady beetles. We examined species records of native coccinellids in Missouri over 118 yr and asked whether the species composition of the community experienced a shift following the establishment of the exotic species. We found that the contemporary native coccinellid community is different from the community that was present nearly a century ago. However, there was no evidence for a recent abrupt shift in composition triggered by the establishment of exotic species. Instead, our data suggest that the native lady beetle community has been undergoing consistent and gradual change over time, with some species decreasing in abundance and others increasing. While not excluding exotic species as a factor contributing to the decline of native lady beetle species, our findings suggest that other continuous factors, like land use change, may have played a more influential role in determining the composition of the native coccinellid communities within our region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kent Fothergill
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO (; ; ; )
| | - Kelly V Tindall
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO (; ; ; )
| | - John E Losey
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (; )
| | - Rebecca R Smyth
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (; )
| | - Deborah L Finke
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO (; ; ; )
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21
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Rondoni G, Athey KJ, Harwood JD, Conti E, Ricci C, Obrycki JJ. Development and application of molecular gut-content analysis to detect aphid and coccinellid predation by Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Italy. INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 22:719-730. [PMID: 25164698 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite their positive effect in reducing pest populations, exotic generalist predators sometimes become invasive and contribute to the displacement of indigenous species in the same trophic level. Although laboratory experiments have linked intraguild predation (IGP) to these interactions, field evidence and quantification of IGP are still lacking for most systems. The recent establishment of the exotic Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Italy raises concern about the detrimental effect that the ladybird could have on native coccinellids. Here we assessed, under laboratory conditions, the acceptability and suitability of eggs of 2 native ladybirds, Adalia bipunctata L. and Oenopia conglobata (L.), as prey items for H. axyridis larvae. Then we developed primers for molecular gut-content analysis to detect predation by H. axyridis on the 2 ladybirds and on the aphid Eucallipterus tiliae L. Species-specific 16S primers were developed for the 3 species and laboratory feeding trials were conducted to quantify the rate of prey DNA breakdown in the gut of H. axyridis. Moreover, to field evaluate primers, H. axyridis 4th instars (n = 132) were systematically collected from linden trees in northern Italy and screened for the presence of prey DNA. Seventy-three percent and 7% of field collected H. axyridis were positive for aphid and coccinellid DNA, respectively. Predation upon aphid and A. bipunctata was lower than predicted if density dependent consumption was expected, while predation upon O. conglobata was significantly higher. Here, we provided the first evidence of IGP among feral populations of H. axyridis and indigenous ladybird beetles, occurring in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Rondoni
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, Perugia, 06121, Italy
| | - Kacie J Athey
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, S-225 Agricultural Science Center North, Lexington, KY, 40546-0091, USA
| | - James D Harwood
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, S-225 Agricultural Science Center North, Lexington, KY, 40546-0091, USA
| | - Eric Conti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, Perugia, 06121, Italy
| | - Carlo Ricci
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, Perugia, 06121, Italy
| | - John J Obrycki
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, S-225 Agricultural Science Center North, Lexington, KY, 40546-0091, USA
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Egg Predation by the Introduced Lady Beetle, Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Lowers Mortality but Raises Relative Risk for the Native Lady Beetle, Coccinella novemnotata. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118493. [PMID: 26090935 PMCID: PMC4474596 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Populations of the native ninespotted lady beetle, Coccinella novemnotata Herbst, have undergone precipitous declines in North America following the establishment of the exotic sevenspotted lady beetle, Coccinella septempunctata L. Recent volunteer efforts have made it possible to establish colonies of the now-rare C. novemnotata and test mechanisms contributing to its decline. We evaluated the relative frequencies of intraguild predation and cannibalism of eggs between these two species. A single C. novemnotata or C. septempunctata adult was exposed to conspecific and heterospecific eggs in either the presence or absence of pea aphids. The study revealed two expected results: 1) eggs of C. novemnotata were consumed more frequently than eggs of C. septempunctata by both species, and 2) egg consumption was higher when aphids were absent, independent of predator and egg species. There were also two unexpected results from the study: 1) the asymmetry between egg predation rates was higher when aphids were present, and 2) higher predation rates on C. novemnotata eggs in the absence of alternate prey was due to a relatively higher rate of intraspecific cannibalism. This implies that C. novemnotata would have suffered higher egg mortality rates before the invasion of C. septempunctata, but even though the aggregate rate of egg predation on C. novemnotata eggs is lower post-invasion, it is still significantly higher than the aggregate rate of predation of C. septempunctata eggs. This differential pattern of asymmetric predation could contribute to habitat compression and the overall decline of C. novemnotata.
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Gegner T, Otti O, Tragust S, Feldhaar H. Do microsporidia function as "biological weapon" for Harmonia axyridis under natural conditions? INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 22:353-359. [PMID: 25829258 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Invasive alien species, such as the multicoloured Asian ladybird Harmonia axyridis, are often regarded as major drivers of biodiversity loss. Therefore understanding which characteristics or mechanisms contribute to their invasive success is important. Here the role of symbiotic microsporidia in the hemolymph of H. axyridis was investigated in the context of intraguild predation between wild-caught H. axyridis and the native ladybird species Coccinella septempunctata. The microsporidia were recently discussed to contribute to the unpalatability of Harmonia for other coccinellids during intraguild predation and to function as "biological weapons". In the present study, visual detection of microsporidia in hemolymph samples revealed that 73.5% of H. axyridis were infected. Intraguild predation experiments between larvae of the two species showed a significant competitive advantage for H. axyridis, even against larger larvae of C. septempunctata. Adult C. septempunctata always killed and fed on H. axyridis larvae. However only 11.4% (4 of 47) of C. septempunctata that fed on infected H. axyridis died within 4 months. In contrast to previous studies this suggests that microsporidia or harmonine, the chemical defense compound of H. axyridis, do not lead to death of C. septempunctata preying on larvae of H. axyridis. Instead our results support the idea that competitive advantage during intraguild predation greatly facilitates the success of H. axyridis and that this may help this highly invasive species to outcompete native species. The impact of microsporidia on Harmonia itself as well as on interspecific interactions require further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Gegner
- Animal Population Ecology, Department of Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, D-95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Oliver Otti
- Animal Population Ecology, Department of Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, D-95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Simon Tragust
- Animal Population Ecology, Department of Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, D-95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Heike Feldhaar
- Animal Population Ecology, Department of Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, D-95440, Bayreuth, Germany
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24
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Vilcinskas A, Schmidtberg H, Estoup A, Tayeh A, Facon B, Vogel H. Evolutionary ecology of microsporidia associated with the invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis. INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 22:313-324. [PMID: 25131382 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Invasive species are characterized by the rapid growth and spread of their populations after establishing a foothold in new habitats, and there are now many examples of such species negatively affecting biodiversity and the economy. It is unclear why some species can become successful invaders, whereas most (even if closely related) remain noninvasive. We previously proposed a hypothesis that parasites associated with invading species can promote their invasive success if they are harmless toward the invaders but harmful to their competitors and/or predators in the newly colonized habitat. Here we discuss whether microsporidia that have recently been discovered in the invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis contribute to its invasive success. We show that all H. axyridis beetles sourced from diverse collection sites all over the world carry abundant microsporidia. This suggests that both native and invasive H. axyridis populations are associated with these tolerated parasites, which were likely to have existed in native populations before expansion rather than being acquired in newly colonized areas. We describe the pathogenesis of the microsporidia during different developmental stages of H. axyridis and we address the possibility that the predation of its infected eggs and larvae by competing native ladybird species may lead to their infection and ultimately to their decline. Finally, we discuss our initial hypothesis: microsporidia that are tolerated by an invasive vector insect can be active against susceptible native competitors and/or predator species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute of Phytopathology and Applied Zoology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, Giessen, D-35392, Germany
| | - Henrike Schmidtberg
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchester Strasse 2, Giessen, D-35394, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Heiko Vogel
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 8, D-07745, Jena, Germany
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26
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The role of exotic ladybeetles in the decline of native ladybeetle populations: evidence from long-term monitoring. Biol Invasions 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-014-0772-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Ugine TA, Losey JE. Development times and age-specific life table parameters of the native lady beetle species Coccinella novemnotata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and its invasive congener Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2014; 43:1067-1075. [PMID: 25182621 DOI: 10.1603/en14053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
To determine if differences in life history parameters contribute to native species exclusion, immature development times, larval survivorship, reproductive life history parameters, and age-specific life tables were determined for two populations (eastern United States and western United States) of ninespotted lady beetles (Coccinella novemnotata Herbst) and one population of sevenspotted lady beetles (Coccinella septempunctata L.). Developing larvae were provided an ad libitum diet of pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) at a constant temperature of 25°C. The first and fourth larval stadia of C. novemnotata were significantly longer than that of C. septempunctata, as was their total development time from egg to newly eclosed adult. Stage-specific developmental mortality was low for both species and did not exceed 7% for the entire development period. The preoviposition period of the two C. novemnotata populations was significantly shorter (15-20%) than that of C. septempunctata. C. novemnotata from both locations laid significantly fewer total eggs than C. septempunctata (34-40% fewer) over the 31-d test period, and also fewer eggs per day (37-43% fewer). The net reproductive rate of the C. novemnotata populations was 42-50% lower than that of C. septempunctata as was C. novemnotata's intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm: 0.1716 and 0.1840 vs. 0.1959 for western and eastern C. novemnotata and C. septempunctata, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd A Ugine
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2601, USA
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Losey JE, Allee LL, Stephens E, Smyth RR, Priolo P, Tyrrell L, Chaskey S, Stellwag L. Lady Beetles in New York: Insidious Invasions, Erstwhile Extirpations, and Recent Rediscoveries. Northeast Nat (Steuben) 2014. [DOI: 10.1656/045.021.0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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29
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Smith CA, Gardiner MM. Biodiversity loss following the introduction of exotic competitors: does intraguild predation explain the decline of native lady beetles? PLoS One 2013; 8:e84448. [PMID: 24386383 PMCID: PMC3874011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Exotic species are widely accepted as a leading cause of biodiversity decline. Lady beetles (Coccinellidae) provide an important model to study how competitor introductions impact native communities since several native coccinellids have experienced declines that coincide with the establishment and spread of exotic coccinellids. This study tested the central hypothesis that intraguild predation by exotic species has caused these declines. Using sentinel egg experiments, we quantified the extent of predation on previously-common (Hippodamia convergens) and common (Coleomegilla maculata) native coccinellid eggs versus exotic coccinellid (Harmonia axyridis) eggs in three habitats: semi-natural grassland, alfalfa, and soybean. Following the experiments quantifying egg predation, we used video surveillance to determine the composition of the predator community attacking the eggs. The extent of predation varied across habitats, and egg species. Native coccinellids often sustained greater egg predation than H. axyridis. We found no evidence that exotic coccinellids consumed coccinellid eggs in the field. Harvestmen and slugs were responsible for the greatest proportion of attacks. This research challenges the widely-accepted hypothesis that intraguild predation by exotic competitors explains the loss of native coccinellids. Although exotic coccinellids may not be a direct competitor, reduced egg predation could indirectly confer a competitive advantage to these species. A lower proportion of H. axyridis eggs removed by predators may have aided its expansion and population increase and could indirectly affect native species via exploitative or apparent competition. These results do not support the intraguild predation hypothesis for native coccinellid decline, but do bring to light the existence of complex interactions between coccinellids and the guild of generalist predators in coccinellid foraging habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea A. Smith
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mary M. Gardiner
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
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30
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Vilcinskas A, Stoecker K, Schmidtberg H, Röhrich CR, Vogel H. Invasive harlequin ladybird carries biological weapons against native competitors. Science 2013; 340:862-3. [PMID: 23687046 DOI: 10.1126/science.1234032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Invasive species that proliferate after colonizing new habitats have a negative environmental and economic impact. The reason why some species become successful invaders, whereas others, even closely related species, remain noninvasive is often unclear. The harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis, introduced for biological pest control, has become an invader that is outcompeting indigenous ladybird species in many countries. Here, we show that Harmonia carries abundant spores of obligate parasitic microsporidia closely related to Nosema thompsoni. These microsporidia, while not harming the carrier Harmonia, are lethal pathogens for the native ladybird Coccinella septempunctata. We propose that intraguild predation, representing a major selective force among competing ladybird species, causes the infection and ultimate death of native ladybirds when they feed on microsporidia-contaminated Harmonia eggs or larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute of Phytopathology and Applied Zoology, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany.
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Vilcinskas A, Mukherjee K, Vogel H. Expansion of the antimicrobial peptide repertoire in the invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 280:20122113. [PMID: 23173204 PMCID: PMC3574431 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.2113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The harlequin ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis has emerged as a model species in invasion biology because of its strong resistance against pathogens and remarkable capacity to outcompete native ladybirds. The invasive success of the species may reflect its well-adapted immune system, a hypothesis we tested by analysing the transcriptome and characterizing the immune gene repertoire of untreated beetles and those challenged with bacteria and fungi. We found that most H. axyridis immunity-related genes were similar in diversity to their counterparts in the reference beetle Tribolium castaneum, but there was an unprecedented expansion among genes encoding antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs). We identified more than 50 putative AMPs belonging to seven different gene families, and many of the corresponding genes were shown by quantitative real-time RT–PCR to be induced in the immune-stimulated beetles. AMPs with the highest induction ratio in the challenged beetles were shown to demonstrate broad and potent activity against Gram-negative bacteria and entomopathogenic fungi. The invasive success of H. axyridis can therefore be attributed at least in part to the greater efficiency of its immune system, particularly the expansion of AMP gene families and their induction in response to pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute of Phytopathology and Applied Zoology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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Schmidtberg H, Röhrich C, Vogel H, Vilcinskas A. A switch from constitutive chemical defence to inducible innate immune responses in the invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis. Biol Lett 2013; 9:20130006. [PMID: 23466480 PMCID: PMC3645030 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2013.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, has emerged as a model species for invasion biology, reflecting its remarkable capacity to outcompete native ladybird species when introduced into new habitats. This ability may be associated with its prominent resistance to pathogens and intraguild predation. We recently showed that the constitutive antibacterial activity present in the haemolymph of H. axyridis beetles can be attributed to the chemical defence compound harmonine. Here, we demonstrate that H. axyridis differs from other insects, including the native ladybird Coccinella septempunctata, by reducing rather than increasing the antimicrobial activity of its haemolymph following the injection of bacteria. However, both species produce new or more abundant proteins in the haemolymph, indicating that bacterial challenge induces innate immune responses associated with the synthesis of immunity-related proteins. Our results suggest that H. axyridis beetles can switch from constitutive chemical defence to inducible innate immune responses, supporting hypothesis that inducible antimicrobial peptides protect host beetles against pathogens that survive constitutive defences. These alternative antimicrobial defence mechanisms may reflect a trade-off resulting from fitness-related costs associated with the simultaneous synthesis of harmonine and antimicrobial peptides/proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrike Schmidtberg
- Department Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Winchesterstrasse 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany
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Gagnon AÈ, Heimpel GE, Brodeur J. The ubiquity of intraguild predation among predatory arthropods. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28061. [PMID: 22132211 PMCID: PMC3223230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraguild predation (IGP) occurs when one predator species attacks another predator species with which it competes for a shared prey species. Despite the apparent omnipresence of intraguild interactions in natural and managed ecosystems, very few studies have quantified rates of IGP in various taxa under field conditions. We used molecular analyses of gut contents to assess the nature and incidence of IGP among four species of coccinellid predators in soybean fields. Over half of the 368 predator individuals collected in soybean contained the DNA of other coccinellid species indicating that IGP was very common at our field site. Furthermore, 13.2% of the sampled individuals contained two and even three other coccinellid species in their gut. The interaction was reciprocal, as each of the four coccinellid species has the capacity to feed on the others. To our knowledge, this study represents the most convincing field evidence of a high prevalence of IGP among predatory arthropods. The finding has important implications for conservation biology and biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George E. Heimpel
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St-Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Jacques Brodeur
- Institut de recherche en biologie végétale, Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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