Neotropical Entomology (2019) 48, 863-865

H.R. Assour and J.E. Behm (2019)
First occurrence of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on the Caribbean island of Curaçao
Neotropical Entomology 48 (5), 863-865
Abstract: The predatory ladybird species, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius), is native to Asia and Australia but has established populations outside its native range, most recently on the eastern and northern coast of South America. Here, we report for the first time the identification of the introduced ladybird beetle, C. sexmaculata, to the Caribbean islands, specifically the island of Curaçao. Although C. sexmaculata is typically considered beneficial and used as a means of biological control in continental ecosystems, due to its high predatory and reproductive ability, it has the potential to cause major ecological impacts as an invader to sensitive Caribbean island ecosystems.
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Link to article at publishers website

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
surveys/distribution/isolation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Cheilomenes sexmaculata (predator)			Aruba and Curacao