Predicting the potential geographical distribution of the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, using the CLIMEX model

The global spread of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): distribution, dispersal and routes of invasion

“…However, studies of H. axyridis specimens from Kazakhstan indicate no obvious genetic differentiation from populations in the western part of the native range (E. Lombaert and A. Estoup, unpublished data; C. Thomas, unpublished data), suggesting that the species may be native to that country. Presence in Taiwan and the Himalayas was documented but is in doubt (Poutsma et al 2008), in the former case because of possible misidentification with Harmonia yedoensis Takizawa.…”

“…Yunnan and Guangxi Provinces), Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and eastern Russia (Dobzhansky 1933;Kuznetsov 1997), although its entire native range has not been clearly recorded. In Russia, the species occurs at least as far north as Krasnoyarsk (southern Siberia) (Poutsma et al 2008), as far west as the Altai Mountains and Novosibirsk (Iablokoff-Khnzorian 1982) and the range extends to the eastern seaboard (through Amur region, Khabarovsk territory and Primorye territory) and beyond, to the islands of Sakhalin and Kuril (Kuznetsov 1997). Kuznetsov (1997) also reports the range to include northern Kazakhstan, and introductions of H. axyridis were made in that country, at least in the south-east (e.g.…”

“…Very large areas of southern and eastern Africa (including Madagascar) and the coastal belt of northern Africa are also climatically suitable for the species. Whilst invasion risk is likely to be lessened by a combination of geographic isolation and rigorous import procedures, New Zealand and coastal Australia (excluding northern regions) are climatically suitable for H. axyridis(Poutsma et al 2008). In summary, there are clearly further vulnerable ecosystems beyond the current known distribution that are potentially under threat of invasion by H. axyridis.…”

“…Note: in most cases entire countries are coloured, but this does not mean that H. axyridis necessarily occurs throughout. A Austria, Be Belgium, Bo Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bu Bulgaria, Cr Croatia, Cz Czech Republic, D Denmark, F France, Ge Germany, Gr Greece, H Hungary, Ir Ireland, It Italy, L Latvia, Ne Netherlands, No Norway, P Poland, R Romania, Se Serbia, Sk Slovakia, Sn Slovenia, Sp Spain, Swe Sweden, Swi Switzerland, U Ukraine, UK United KingdomPoutsma et al (2008) provided very useful predictions of the potential distribution of H. axyridis based on climate modelling. The subsequent observed spread of the species so far conforms to these predictions.…”

Thermal activity thresholds of the predatory mirid Nesidiocoris tenuis: implications for its efficacy as a biological control agent

“…The possible impact of non-native biocontrol agents on native species is a subject of considerable current interest , as exemplified by studies on the Harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) (Majerus et al 2006;Brown et al 2008;Lombaert et al 2008;Poutsma et al 2008). Various reports have shown that winter low temperatures in northern Europe are an effective barrier to outdoor establishment for a number of non-native control agents (Tullett 2002;Tullett et al 2004;Hatherly et al 2005;Hughes et al 2009).…”