Multicoloured Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis [Pallas], Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) - invasive beneficial species

Abstract

In the beginning of November 2011, massive occurrence of lady beetles was established on the walls of individual dwelling houses in the vicinity of Ljubljana. Some individuals were sampled for determination purposes. Based on stereomicroscopic survey and the use of accessible scientific literature we confirmed the coccinellid Harmonia axyridis (Pallas). Up to now this species did not have Slovenian name, therefore we suggest the name ‘pisana polonica’, which originated from English name Harlequin ladybird. In this paper the bionomics of the species and its importance in Slovenia are presented. Multicoloured Asian lady beetle was introduced to Europe for biological control purposes. In some countries the adults of this insect species cause damage on soft fruits and grape berries. In addition, H. axyridis also became inconvenient in urban areas. Some foreign sources mention that this coccinellid soil the walls of dwelling houses and equipment with their secretions, furthermore it can cause the allergic reactions of humans.