The Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle Harmonia axyridis is introduced in Western Europe as a control for aphids in warehouses and the open field. The beetles were bred and commercialized in the Netherlands since 1996. The species was recorded for the first time in the Netherlands in Nijmegen in 2002. During 2003 the beetle expanded its range to the southern part of the Netherlands, however remaining a rare species. From 2004 onwards H. axyridis expanded and established over the country being nowadays very common everywhere. All kind of biotopes are inhabited by Harmonia axyridis, when her normal prey, aphids, is present. The species competes with other coccinellid beetles and is under laboratory conditions most often superior to native species. However, the impact on populations of other coccinellids under natural conditions has not been proven in the Netherlands. Nuisance by Harmonia in The Netherlands mainly concerns their entering of houses in autumn when they are seeking their hibernation quarters.

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Auteur(s)

Cuppen, J.G.M.