Differences in biological and behavioural characteristics of <i>Harmonia axyridis</i> (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) according to colour patterns of elytra

Abstract

Abstract Samples of overwintering populations of Harmonia axyridis were classified into five colour patterns, succinea 1, succinea 2, conspicua, spectabilis and axyridis . Generally, the succinea 1 colour pattern was dominant at six collecting sites in Daejon and Chungnam provinces of Korea and their occurrence proportion was over 50%. Non‐melanic forms such as succinea 1 and 2 were noted in about 90% of collected individuals. On the other hand, conspicua and spectabilis as melanic forms were dominant in the laboratory. One hypothesis is that the difference between field and laboratory populations is related to non‐random mating and environmental conditions. Practically, in mate‐choice experiments, most colour pattern ladybirds seemed to mate with the melanic form, especially the conspicua form. The body size (length) of H . axyridis in colour patterns was slightly different, but in females, there was no significant difference among colour patterns. However, both lengths of males were significantly different among colour patterns. In reproductive ability (fecundity), there was no difference among colour patterns.