Tuesday, December 12, 2006 - 10:29 AM
0726

Diversity of lady beetles (Coccinellidae: Coccinellini) associated with Alaskan agricultural crops

Aaron M. Hagerty, ffamh1@uaf.edu, Alberto Pantoja, ffap2@uaf.edu, and Susan Emmert, fnsye@uaf.edu. USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Subarctic Agricultural Research Unit, 362 O'Neil Building, P.O. Box 757200, Fairbanks, AK

Coccinellid populations were monitored in agricultural areas of the Tanana and Matanuska-Susitna river valleys of Alaska from 2004 to 2005. The University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Museum of the North Insect Collection (MNIC) was examined and coccinellid species identified. Ten species from the MNIC were examined and 13 species were collected in association with Alaskan agriculture for a total of 14 species. Two new species records for the state are recorded: Coccinella septempunctata L. and Hippodamia convergens Guerin. C. septempunctata has been reported to be invasive in some areas, displacing native species, and its populations should be monitored. Of the species collected, Hippodamia tredecimpunctata tibialis (Say), Hippodamia quinquesignata quinquesignata (Kirby), Coccinella transversoguttata richardsoni Brown, and Coccinella trifasciata perplexa Mulsant were collected in greatest numbers and have the most potential for use as naturally occurring biocontrol agents.


Species 1: Coleoptera Coccinellidae Coccinella
Species 2: Coleoptera Coccinellidae Hippodamia