From effective biocontrol agent to successful invader: the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) as an example of good ideas that could go wrong
The use of biological control agents to control pests is an alternative to pesticides and a tool to manage invasive alien species. However, biocontrol agents can themselves become invasive species under certain conditions. The harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) is a native Asian biocontrol agent...
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Language: | English |
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PeerJ Inc.
2017-05-01
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Online Access: | https://peerj.com/articles/3296.pdf |
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author | Morelia Camacho-Cervantes Adrián Ortega-Iturriaga Ek del-Val |
author_facet | Morelia Camacho-Cervantes Adrián Ortega-Iturriaga Ek del-Val |
author_sort | Morelia Camacho-Cervantes |
collection | DOAJ |
description | The use of biological control agents to control pests is an alternative to pesticides and a tool to manage invasive alien species. However, biocontrol agents can themselves become invasive species under certain conditions. The harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) is a native Asian biocontrol agent that has become a successful invader. We reviewed articles containing “Harmonia axyridis” to gather information on its presence and surveyed entomologists researching Coccinellidae around the world to investigate further insights about the current distribution, vectors of introduction, habitat use and threats this species pose. The harlequin ladybird has established populations in at least 59 countries outside its native range. Twenty six percent of the surveyed scientists considered it a potential threat to native Coccinellidae. Published studies and scientists suggest Adalia bipunctata, native to Europe, is under the highest risk of population declines. Strict policies should be incorporated to prevent its arrival to non-invaded areas and to prevent further expansion range. Managing invasive species is a key priority to prevent biodiversity loss and promote ecosystem services. |
first_indexed | 2024-03-09T06:51:41Z |
format | Article |
id | doaj.art-f48a40bf777440f088398a24d64f3755 |
institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
issn | 2167-8359 |
language | English |
last_indexed | 2024-03-09T06:51:41Z |
publishDate | 2017-05-01 |
publisher | PeerJ Inc. |
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series | PeerJ |
spelling | doaj.art-f48a40bf777440f088398a24d64f37552023-12-03T10:26:40ZengPeerJ Inc.PeerJ2167-83592017-05-015e329610.7717/peerj.3296From effective biocontrol agent to successful invader: the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) as an example of good ideas that could go wrongMorelia Camacho-Cervantes0Adrián Ortega-Iturriaga1Ek del-Val2Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, MexicoCentro de Investigaciones en Geografía Ambiental, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, MexicoInstituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, MexicoThe use of biological control agents to control pests is an alternative to pesticides and a tool to manage invasive alien species. However, biocontrol agents can themselves become invasive species under certain conditions. The harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) is a native Asian biocontrol agent that has become a successful invader. We reviewed articles containing “Harmonia axyridis” to gather information on its presence and surveyed entomologists researching Coccinellidae around the world to investigate further insights about the current distribution, vectors of introduction, habitat use and threats this species pose. The harlequin ladybird has established populations in at least 59 countries outside its native range. Twenty six percent of the surveyed scientists considered it a potential threat to native Coccinellidae. Published studies and scientists suggest Adalia bipunctata, native to Europe, is under the highest risk of population declines. Strict policies should be incorporated to prevent its arrival to non-invaded areas and to prevent further expansion range. Managing invasive species is a key priority to prevent biodiversity loss and promote ecosystem services.https://peerj.com/articles/3296.pdfInvasive threatRange expansionCoccinellidaeBiodiversity threatsPerceptionAwareness |
spellingShingle | Morelia Camacho-Cervantes Adrián Ortega-Iturriaga Ek del-Val From effective biocontrol agent to successful invader: the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) as an example of good ideas that could go wrong PeerJ Invasive threat Range expansion Coccinellidae Biodiversity threats Perception Awareness |
title | From effective biocontrol agent to successful invader: the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) as an example of good ideas that could go wrong |
title_full | From effective biocontrol agent to successful invader: the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) as an example of good ideas that could go wrong |
title_fullStr | From effective biocontrol agent to successful invader: the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) as an example of good ideas that could go wrong |
title_full_unstemmed | From effective biocontrol agent to successful invader: the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) as an example of good ideas that could go wrong |
title_short | From effective biocontrol agent to successful invader: the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) as an example of good ideas that could go wrong |
title_sort | from effective biocontrol agent to successful invader the harlequin ladybird harmonia axyridis as an example of good ideas that could go wrong |
topic | Invasive threat Range expansion Coccinellidae Biodiversity threats Perception Awareness |
url | https://peerj.com/articles/3296.pdf |
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