Premium
A natural flightless mutation in the ladybird, Harmonia axyridis
Author(s) -
Tourniaire R.,
Ferran A.,
Giuge L.,
Piotte C.,
Gambier J.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
entomologia experimentalis et applicata
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.765
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1570-7458
pISSN - 0013-8703
DOI - 10.1046/j.1570-7458.2000.00676.x
Subject(s) - harmonia axyridis , biology , coccinellidae , larva , zoology , natural selection , strain (injury) , population , natural population growth , pest analysis , mutation , biological pest control , ecology , predation , predator , botany , genetics , gene , anatomy , demography , sociology
A homozygous flightless strain, obtained by selection from a laboratory population of Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), has been reared under controlled conditions since 1982 after sampling in China. The adults of this flightless strain have normal elytra and wings but drop almost vertically when they attempt to fly. The origin of this mutation, whether laboratory or natural, is discussed. As the mutation does not affect the fitness of the beetles, this flightless strain can be used in biological control. Releasing flightless adults rather than larvae should provide the potential for more continuous control of aphids by both larvae and adults.