Exotic predators are not better biocontrol agents: the harlequin ladybird is not the most voracious in Mexico.

ABSTRACT: The use of exotic species for pest biocontrol has been a common pathway for introduction and dispersal of invasive species that may have undesired outcomes. Biocontrol agents are believed to be a less damaging alternative than pesticides, but some species may also prey on or parasitize native species or outcompete them for resources. The harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) is a well-known biocontrol agent originally from Asia that has established invasive populations in 59 countries around the globe. Harlequin ladybirds are generalist predators that in addition to pests prey on an array of different species including other coccinelids' eggs and larvae. In Mexico, native ladybirds that share ecological requirements with harlequin ladybirds are at risk of being outcompeted and pred

SUBMITTER: Camacho-Cervantes M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8603833 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature