Reproductive interference between native and introduced lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Puerto Rico

Javier E. Mercado

doi:10.1649/0010-065X-77.3.348

Treesearch

Reproductive interference between native and introduced lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Puerto Rico

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Javier E. Mercado

Year:

2023

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1649/0010-065X-77.3.348

Source:

The Coleopterists Bulletin. 77(3): 348-351.

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Abstract

Lady beetles, ladybugs, or ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) and their larvae feed on soft-bodied arthropods such as aphids, mealybugs, scales, whiteflies (Hemiptera), and mites (Arachnida) (Obrycki and Kring 1998), among others. Because of their diet, they are widely used as biocontrol agents in diverse ecosystems from agricultural to forests (Obrycki and Kring 1998; Tavares et al. 2014). In Puerto Rico, the lady beetle fauna consists of 53 described species, seven of which have been introduced as biological control agents (Segarra-Carmona et al. 2021). Introduced and native lady beetles sometimes exploit similar prey; therefore, their habitats can overlap. Their proximity can result in interspecific interactions that could potentially hinder a desired biocontrol goal or have adverse effects on the fitness of either species; however, there is much to learn about this.

Keywords

lady beetles, ladybugs, ladybird beetles, Coccinellidae, diet, ecosystems

Citation

Mercado, Javier E. 2023. Reproductive interference between native and introduced lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Puerto Rico. The Coleopterists Bulletin. 77(3): 348-351.