Bulletin of Insectology (2003) 56, 207-210

Fabrizio Santi, Giovanni Burgio and Stefano Maini (2003)
Intra-guild predation and cannibalism of Harmonia axyridis and Adalia bipunctata in choice conditions
Bulletin of Insectology 56 (2), 207-210
Abstract: A laboratory experiment was carried out to examine intra-guild predation and cannibalism of exotic Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) and the native species Adalia bipunctata L. (Coleoptera Coccinellidae) in choice condition. Experiments were carried out in glass petri dishes at 25°C, 70% RH, using a 5x4 grid with 10 eggs of exotic and 10 of natives arranged alternatively. One larva or adult of coccinellid was put in the arena and was observed for one hour. Each experiment was replicated 15 times. H. axyridis larvae and adults, and A. bipunctata adults, showed a preference to prey and eat their own eggs rather than interspecific eggs; these differences were detected for both naive and experienced females and larvae. For A. bipunctata larvae no differences were observed between IGP and CANN in choice conditions. The results indicate a tendency for both species to attack and eat their own eggs rather than interspecific eggs. The risk of introduction of exotic generalist predators is discussed, with particular attention to coccinellids.
Laboratory experiments on intra-guild predation could give a preliminary indication of the potential for competitionbetween an exotic ladybird and a native one.
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Database assignments for author(s): Fabrizio Santi, Stefano Maini, Giovanni Burgio

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
evaluation - screening - selection

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Adalia bipunctata (predator)			Italy
Harmonia axyridis (predator)