Open AccessInvasive alien predator causes rapid declines of native European ladybirds
Author(s) -
Roy Helen E.,
Adriaens Tim,
Isaac Nick J. B.,
Kenis Marc,
Onkelinx Thierry,
Martin Gilles San,
Brown Peter M. J.,
Hautier Louis,
Poland Remy,
Roy David B.,
Comont Richard,
Eschen René,
Frost Robert,
Zindel Renate,
Van Vlaenderen Johan,
Nedvěd Oldřich,
Ravn Hans Peter,
Grégoire JeanClaude,
de Biseau JeanChristophe,
Maes Dirk
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
diversity and distributions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.918
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1472-4642
pISSN - 1366-9516
DOI - 10.1111/j.1472-4642.2012.00883.x
Subject(s) - ecology , harmonia axyridis , geography , biodiversity , abundance (ecology) , introduced species , biology , invasive species , predator , predation , coccinellidae
Aim Invasive alien species (IAS) are recognized as major drivers of biodiversity loss, but few causal relationships between IAS and species declines have been documented. In this study, we compare the distribution (Belgium and Britain) and abundance (Belgium, Britain and Switzerland) of formerly common and widespread native ladybirds before and after the arrival of Harmonia axyridis , a globally rapidly expanding IAS. Location Europe Methods We used generalized linear mixed‐effects models (GLMMs) to assess the distribution trends of eight conspicuous and historically widespread and common species of ladybird within Belgium and Britain before and after the arrival of H. axyridis . The distribution data were collated largely through public participatory surveys but verified by a recognized expert. We also used GLMMs to model trends in the abundance of ladybirds using data collated through systematic surveys of deciduous trees in Belgium, Britain and Switzerland. Results Five (Belgium) and seven (Britain) of eight species studied show substantial declines attributable to the arrival of H. axyridis . Indeed, the two‐spot ladybird, Adalia bipunctata , declined by 30% (Belgium) and 44% (Britain) over 5 years after the arrival of H. axyridis . Trends in ladybird abundance revealed similar patterns of declines across three countries. Main conclusion Together, these analyses show H. axyridis to be displacing native ladybirds with high niche overlap, probably through predation and competition. This finding provides strong evidence of a causal link between the arrival of an IAS and decline in native biodiversity. Rapid biotic homogenization at the continental scale could impact on the resilience of ecosystems and severely diminish the services they deliver.