ScienceShot: Invasive Ladybug Carries Fatal Parasite

ScienceNOW ^ | 16 May 2013 | Paul Gabrielsen

[neverdem]

Credit: (left) Pbech/Wikimedia Commons; (inset) Dominik Stodulski/Wikimedia Commons

The innocuous-looking harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis, shown left) wields a biological weapon of mass destruction. Europe and North America imported the insects in the early 20th century to control pesky aphids. But the harlequin, native to Asia, began to flourish, crowding out the native seven-spotted ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata, shown inset). Scientists previously thought that the harlequin prospered because of an unusually strong antimicrobial immune system, which would protect it from disease in a foreign environment. But the beetle's more potent secret is a fungal parasite, in the insect-afflicting Nosema genus, which lives in the beetle's blood. The parasite doesn't affect the harlequin but fatally overwhelms seven-spotted lady beetles within 2 weeks of infection, researchers report online today in Science. Ladybugs commonly eat the eggs of competing species, so when seven-spotted beetles feast on the harlequin's parasite-laden eggs, the parasite strikes back. Researchers say that foreign invaders fare better when they bring along diseases that they're already tolerant of, while other, closely related species (such as the seven-spotted ladybug) might not enjoy such conquistador-like success.

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[neverdem]

So much for the wisdom of using biological controls.

Invasive ladybird has biological weapon - The harlequin ladybird carries a parasite that causes it no harm but kills other native species.

It's the same bug, British name.

[afraidfortherepublic]

Heads up!

[Blood of Tyrants]

Bush’s fault, somehow. That or globull warming.

[Dr. Sivana]

I noticed that the nice red ladybugs had been replaced by the nastier orange-brown ones. Now we have an answer ... but too late.

[1_Rain_Drop]

Is the harlequin the same bug that clusters in corners of rooms and bite? From what I recall, they also stink.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Wonder if there’s a Colony Collapse Syndrome connection.

[1_Rain_Drop]

LOL, and I thought the orange brown ones were lady bugs which didn’t get enough sunlight. I used to take them outside. Now I’ll just smush them. I could place them on a spiderweb, but don’t want to cause any spiders to get sick.

[heylady]

Yes, when I was in Illinois a few years ago they were everywhere. Hundreds and hundreds of them and they stunk.

[NormsRevenge]

but,, but,, they’re lucky,, if one lands on your nose, good fortune will follow.. or sum ol’ wives tale..

[NormsRevenge]

not to brag but we have lots of bees here.. wasps, bumbles, generic bees, you name it, I see quite a few all the times.. but I agree , something isn’t right when so many perish for “unknown reasons”

[Carriage Hill]

That's the Harlequin Beetle. Different critter, altogether:

[1_Rain_Drop]

Is this a photo of the harlequin the article is about?
It isn’t the bug I was referring to. This beetle has a flat back while the ones I was complaining about are round.

[beelzepug]

So one is black with red spots and the others are orange or yellow-orange with black spots. Which are which?

[Carriage Hill]

The common American and Asian ladybeetles doesn’t bite or stink, although they’re carnivorous and we used them for aphid and gnat control in greenhouses.

Do you see it on this page?

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Harmonia_axyridis

[trisham]

I’ve never seen the harlequin ladybug, but I’ll know what to do now if I should see one.

[Patriot Babe]

They are disqusting lol. I found a Ladybug in my salad, not sure whether it just landed on my salad or it came in the prewash package. I tossed it out and gagged lol. Sorry no bugs in my food please.

[greeneyes]

Thanks. I’ll try to remember to include this in Friday’s ping list.

[Bikkuri]

Is the harlequin the same bug that clusters in corners of rooms and bite? From what I recall, they also stink.

Yes, that is correct ;^)

That's the Harlequin Beetle. Different critter, altogether: ~

Ironically enough, just 2 or 3 dats ago, I specifically looked this type up (having a problem with them here in Japan)..

Harmonia axyridis:
   Harlequin ladybird (Ladybug.... Brit's Ladybird is so annoying to me..)
      It is commonly known as the Harlequin ladybird (because it occurs in numerous colour forms).
       (I know that you specified the Harlequin Beetle, but, same Wiki talking about the Harlequin Ladybug: )

~

  Worldwide propagation
    Many people now view this species as a nuisance,[5] 
    partly due to their tendency to overwinter indoors and the unpleasant odor and stain left by their bodily fluid when frightened or squashed, 
    as well as their tendency to bite humans.[5]

I alwqays find it strange that when i am researching something, usually, a few days later, there is always a thread about what I was researching (o.O) lol ;^)

[Bikkuri]

Apologies, forgot to include the link :p
Harmonia axyridis / Asian Ladybug / Harlequin Ladybug

Also, apologies about misspell/typos :p

[Bikkuri]

Harlequin ladybug: