We analyzed changes in coccenillid community inhabiting potato crops in northern Maine over the past 31 years. Prior to 1980, lady beetle communities were comprised almost exclusively of the two native species, Coccinella transversoguttata Brown and Hippodamia tredecimpunctata (Say). Starting 1980, an exotic species Coccinella septempunctata L. became permanently established in potato crops and quickly started to dominate lady beetle community. Two other exotic species, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), and Propylea quatordecimpunctata (L.) became prominent members of the lady beetle community in 1995 and 1996. Invasion by exotic species was followed by a significant decline in the abundance of C. transversoguttata and H. tredecimpunctata, and a significant increase in the overall diversity of lady beetle community.
Species 1: Coleoptera Coccinellidae Coccinella septempunctata
Species 2: Coleoptera Coccinellidae Harmonia axyridis
Species 3: Coleoptera Coccinellidae Propylea quatordecimpunctata
Keywords: biological invasion, faunal change
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