Freshwater Molluscs distribution and diversity status of Nakana Lake, Dhule, were studied during June 2013 to May 2014. The samples were collected at every fortnight from two sites. A total of 13 species were reported, out of which 10 species were Gastropods and three species were Pelecypods; those belonged to four orders, 10 families and 12 genera. The abundance of molluscs was also studied. The average number of animals were indicated per season: i.e. monsoon, winter and summer. Maximum species were collected in the summer season at both the sites. Molluscan diversity were calculated by the various diversity indices such as Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H), Simpson’s Dominance index (D), Simpson’s index of diversity (I-D), Simpson’s Evenness(E) and Pielou’s Evenness index (J).
First attempts using NGS in Senecio (Asteraceae)
Building a robust phylogeny of Culcitium group: a baseline for addressing further evolutionary questions for the genus in the Andes
Rosa et al 2016 vpc - an overview of feral hog management in Brazil after ...Marcelo Wallau
Feral hogs are known to be expanding their range in Brazil since late 1980’s and reports of damage to crops and livestock predation became more frequent lately. Just recently, the use of lethal methods for feral hog control was legalized in Brazil, and there are still several restrictions especially towards the purchase and transportation of guns and ammunition. Results from questionnaires applied to feral hog hunters showed that around half of them still act illegally and hunting with dogs was the main technique used for controlling feral hogs. We believe that, for enhancing the feral hog control in Brazil, the legislation needs to be reviewed, and a national control program needs to be created involving researchers, government agencies and hunters, working together on development and implementation of more efficient techniques on feral hog population control.
Freshwater Molluscs distribution and diversity status of Nakana Lake, Dhule, were studied during June 2013 to May 2014. The samples were collected at every fortnight from two sites. A total of 13 species were reported, out of which 10 species were Gastropods and three species were Pelecypods; those belonged to four orders, 10 families and 12 genera. The abundance of molluscs was also studied. The average number of animals were indicated per season: i.e. monsoon, winter and summer. Maximum species were collected in the summer season at both the sites. Molluscan diversity were calculated by the various diversity indices such as Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H), Simpson’s Dominance index (D), Simpson’s index of diversity (I-D), Simpson’s Evenness(E) and Pielou’s Evenness index (J).
First attempts using NGS in Senecio (Asteraceae)
Building a robust phylogeny of Culcitium group: a baseline for addressing further evolutionary questions for the genus in the Andes
Rosa et al 2016 vpc - an overview of feral hog management in Brazil after ...Marcelo Wallau
Feral hogs are known to be expanding their range in Brazil since late 1980’s and reports of damage to crops and livestock predation became more frequent lately. Just recently, the use of lethal methods for feral hog control was legalized in Brazil, and there are still several restrictions especially towards the purchase and transportation of guns and ammunition. Results from questionnaires applied to feral hog hunters showed that around half of them still act illegally and hunting with dogs was the main technique used for controlling feral hogs. We believe that, for enhancing the feral hog control in Brazil, the legislation needs to be reviewed, and a national control program needs to be created involving researchers, government agencies and hunters, working together on development and implementation of more efficient techniques on feral hog population control.
Jos Mesu (Ministry of Security and Justice, Netherlands)
shared the Dutch experience concerning the legal status of a victim at the second Criminological Forum in Astana. More information is here: https://www.eucj.kz/en/press-center/press-releases/vtoroj-kriminologicheskij-forum-v-astane-proshel-pri-podderzhke-es
Jos Mesu (Ministry of Security and Justice, Netherlands)
shared the Dutch experience concerning the legal status of a victim at the second Criminological Forum in Astana. More information is here: https://www.eucj.kz/en/press-center/press-releases/vtoroj-kriminologicheskij-forum-v-astane-proshel-pri-podderzhke-es
Records of extreme altitudes where several coccinellid species from South America inhabit the Andes of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru are provided. After an intensive review of several entomological
collections and literature, records for 35 species with at least one location over 3500-m elevation were obtained, including the genera Cycloneda (ten species), Eriopis (15 species and one subspecies), Harmonia (one species), Hippodamia (two species), Mimoscymnus (two species), Psyllobora (one species), and Stenadalia (four species). In total, 184 location records
are listed, of which 119 were from between 3000 and 4000 m, 57 between 4000 and 4900 m and eight above 4900 m, with the highest altitude record at 5250 m for Eriopis minima Hofmann. All records above 4000 m were obtained in the Puna biogeographic province within the
Paramo Puneña biogeographic subregion. These records are the highest altitudes observed for the American continent and by far surpass others known for coccinellids worldwide. Several species of coccinellids living in
sympatry at these high altitudes were verified, and in some cases, in situ development was inferred by the presence of immature stages. These findings are important to foresee the future effects of global warming that
will affect especially the biological communities of extreme altitudes.
CDC: Understanding the Cholera Epidemic, HaitiStanleylucas
CDC epidemiologic study provides several additional arguments confirming an importation of cholera in Haiti. There was an exact correlation in time and places between the arrival of a Nepalese battalion from an area experiencing a cholera outbreak and the appearance of the first cases in Meille a few days after. The remoteness of Meille in central Haiti and the absence of report of other incomers make it unlikely that a cholera strain might have been brought there another way. DNA fingerprinting of V. cholerae isolates in Haiti (1) and genotyping (7,21) corroborate our findings because the fingerprinting and genotyping suggest an introduction from a distant source in a single event (22).
Anopheles aquasalis is an important malaria vector in the northwestern coast of Brazil and is currently found in the intra continental regions. Insect studies were conducted in the Buriticupu municipality, Maranhão state, Brazil in the period of 2006 to 2011 between 6:00 h and 18:00 h comprising three environment types viz., intra, peri and extradomicile; with the objective of assessing the presence of anophelines related to malaria transmission. A total of 17 individuals of Anopheles aquasalis were collected in the area. We conclude that this species dispersed to the intracontinental region, in an area 300 km distant from the coastal belt
The perils posed to public health by the presence of cockroaches in residential areas are unscrupulous. This study was therefore designed to identify major pest species of cockroaches and determine their seasonal distribution in Abraka Delta State so as to design more efficient control/intervention strategies for their control. The collection was done during the dry season (November 2014-February 2015) and wet season (July 2014-October 2014). Abraka was divided into West-South, South-East, Central, and South-East. Collection was carried out actively by hand picking and careful use of swat sticks and brooms; and passively by trapping methods from different parts of the households. Adults and the different stages of instars were identified using standard taxonomic entomological keys based on their morphological characteristics. A total of 7835 cockroaches were caught, 6 species of which P. americana, P. fuliginosa, B. orientalis, B. germanica and Parcoblatta spp. had population of 1885(24%), 1867 (24%), 1756 (22%), 949 (12%), 844 (11%) and 534 (7%) respectively. When the distribution of dry and wet seasons was compared there was no statistical difference (P > 0.05). There was high abundance of species in the Central site (50%), while the North-East, West-South and South-East had 28%, 14% and 7% respectively. Although more cockroaches were found in the Central site, higher species diversity occurred in North-East site when compared to other locations. The species were evenly distributed as the abundance and index (H) increased. This study has attested that there was no significance difference (P>0.05) in the distribution of cockroaches in Abraka. To successfully control the proliferation of cockroaches in Abraka there is need for constant practices that includes good sanitation, proper management of solid and liquid waste and the use of environmental sensitive insecticides as effective control is easily achieved in a temperate climate than in humid and warm areas.
Hepatic and Rumenal Worms Infestations of Cattle in Vina Division (Adamawa – ...AI Publications
The main objective of this work is to describe a preliminary epidemiological account of major hepatic and rumenal distome worms of cattle in Vina Division, Adamawa Region of Cameroon. A total of 1361 cattle dung specimens and 450 blood samples were collected between April 2018 and March 2019 in 06 subdivisions within Vina Division. The dung and blood samples were placed in a cooler. The cooler was immediately transported to the medical and veterinary laboratory of Special Mission of tsetse fly Eradication where samples were kept cold at +4°C for at most 48 hours. The qualitative method of concentration of worm eggs by simple sedimentation was performed.Blood parameters were measured using a haematology automated system. Of the 1361 cattle dung specimens examined, 424 presented distome eggs giving a prevalence of 31.15 %.These were Fasciola gigantica, Paramphistomum daubneyi and Dicrocoelium hopes eggs.All cattle age groups were infected by worms. In terms of prevalence, medium cattle were found to be the most infected. In lean cattle the parasitic loads of F. gigantic and D. hopes were high and then decreased as the health of the animals improved. All cattle breeds were infected by at least one of the worm species. Bokolo and Djafoun were most infected by F. gigantica, while Holstein and Aku were more influence by P. daubneyi. Goudali breed is the one that has undergone the least parasitic pressure. Male cattle were more infected than females, but females exhibited higher mean intensity of infestation. Older cattle were more susceptible to F. gigantic and D. hopes infection while Adults were more infected by P. daubneyi. Whatever the parasite considered, parasitic load progressively increased with the age of the cattle. The number of cattle infected by P. daubneyi and D. hopeswas greater in the rainy season unlike F. gigantic infection which was more recurrent in the dry season. Mbe locality had a high prevalence of F. gigantica and P. daubneyi. However, Ngaoundere 1, 2 and 3 presented the highest mean intensities for all worm species. Prevalence and mean intensities of cattle have been more important in extensive livestock status. All the worms were encountered all year round, except for November and December 2018 where D. hopes was absent. Polyparasitic cases were observed. Nevertheless, bispecifics associations were most frequent. Mean Corpuscular Volume, Platelet Concentrations, Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin, Total Leucocytes Count and Granulocytes mean values were higher in cattle with significant parasitic loads while Total Erythrocyte Count and Packed Cell Volume were low. Today, it is well established that distomatoses represent one of the major parasitoses of cattle in Vina Division of Cameroon.
Bats are often observed in the city of Ouagadougou; they are found in homes, offices and open spaces, especially under large trees. They are consumed as bushmeat and used by Traditional Medical Practitioners. In the context of re-emerging zoonosis, it is important to produce comprehensive knowledge about problematic species such as a bat. Then, the aim of this study is to produce reliable information about bat diversity and its distribution in the city of Ouagadougou. To achieve this goal, bats were captured in the city of Ouagadougou from July to November 2017 using a mist net in 15 stations. Eleven species belonging to nine genera and four families (Molossidae, Nyteridae, Pteropodidae and Vespertilionidae) have been inventoried. While Eidolon helvum is the most observable species in the city of Ouagadougou, Epomophorus gambianus, Scotophilus leucogaster and Nycticeinops schlieffenii are the most occurring species in samples. Kamboinse, Kossodo and Premier Ministère are the sites with the highest species diversity.
Seasonal Phenology of Reptiles in a Mediterranean Environment (“Castel di Gui...IJEABJ
The present work reports the seasonal phenology of the reptiles of the "Castel di Guido" Natural Park near Rome (Northern Latium, Italy). During field observations, between September 2014 and July 2016, transects were carried out along the ecotones of the park, in order to describe the period of seasonal activity of the reptiles present. The area is characterized by Mediterranean mesothermal climate. In the Mediterranean area, reptiles have a broader annual activity range than other European regions, greatly reducing winter latency. Reptile activities start very early, in some case it is possible to observe the snake Hierophis viridiflavus and lizards, such as Podarcis muralis and Podarcis siculus, in thermoregulation activity in the middle of winter. The mild climate that is recorded on average in autumn favors the activity in the period between September and December; Zamenis longissimus is observed regularly in October. Testudo hermanni mates regularly in autumn and it is active until the first decade of December. The research shows that during the winter period reptiles can be observed in activity; for some species, Chalcides chalcides, Podarcis sp., Hierophis viridiflavus, this seems to be a remarkable datum that broad considerably the annual phenology reported in the literature.
The Parity Rate of Indoor-Resting Adult Female Anopheles and Culex Mosquitoes...IJEAB
A study on the parity rate of indoor-resting Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes and their implication in disease transmission was carried out in Nnamdi Azikiwe University female hostel between June and July 2016. The mosquitoes were sampled weekly from 24 randomly selected rooms using pyrethrum knock-down collection (P.K.C). A total of 516 mosquitoes comprising of 4 species: Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles funestus, Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex annulioris, were collected during the study period. The mosquitoes were examined for their abdominal gradings/gonotrophic stages and dissected for parity determination. Culex quinquefasciatus (61.43%) constituted the most abundant species followed by Anopheles gambiae (30.04%) and Anopheles funestus (7.56%) and the least being Culex annulioris (0.97%). Results showed that majority of the vector species were fed and parous and variations among the parity rates of the 4 species was significant (P <0.05). The high rate of the fed and parous mosquito species is of utmost concern in the hostel environment and therefore control measures aimed at eliminating the breeding sites and reducing its contact with the students should be embraced and practiced so as to minimize disease transmission among the students.
A Prelimnary Survey on TheAbundance of Mosquito Species and Transmission of P...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences(IOSR-JPBS) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal that provides rapid publication (within a month) of articles in all areas of Pharmacy and Biological Science. The journal welcomes publications of high quality papers on theoretical developments and practical applications in Pharmacy and Biological Science. Original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews, and high quality technical notes are invited for publications.
Responda (1/3 puntaje) (alrededor de 400 palabras) ¿Cómo describiría usted la distribución de especies invasoras en Chile? ¿Cuáles son las principales especies invasoras nacionales?
Luego Proponga (2/3 puntaje) (alrededor de 600 palabras) ¿Cuáles son los desafíos que las políticas públicas deben superar en miras de enfrentar a las especies invasoras chilenas? Dé lineamientos sobre uno de esos desafíos.
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Ponencia de Patricia Abuin (XIII Jornada Rete 21)Rete21. Huesca
Exposición de varios proyectos europeos en los que ha participado la Diputación de Huelva, relacionados con la eficiencia energética o energías renovables.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
different Modes of Insect Plant InteractionArchita Das
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Improving the viability of probiotics by encapsulation methods for developmen...Open Access Research Paper
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UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
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Climate Change All over the World .pptxsairaanwer024
Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the average weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It encompasses both global warming driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. While climate change is a natural phenomenon, human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, have accelerated its pace and intensity
2. Xavier Pons, Meritxell Roca, Belén Lumbierres and Éric Lucas
Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research June 2015 • Volume 13 • Issue 2 • e1006
2
advisers in Central Spain, Valencia, Andalusia and Astu-
rias was required for reporting current or existing obser-
vations of the recent presence of the ladybird in their
geographical areas and for scouting.
Characterization of the aggregations
Firstly, we characterized the sites where aggregations
occurred: geographic coordinates, altitude, surrounding
landscape, building characteristics, etc. Among the four
aggregation sites reported, we selected the population of
Les Llosses, since it was the largest. Characterization of
this aggregation included natural mortality, parasitism rate,
and phenology of the overwintering beetles, elytra colour
pattern, sex ratio, weight, size, and female ovariole devel-
opmental stage before and after the overwintering period.
To determine the overwintering phenology, the ag-
gregation was periodically monitored from November to
May and the changes in colonies settle in visible places
recorded. Yellow sticky traps and pollen bait traps were
also placed inside and outside the Les Llosses overwinter-
ing site at the end of February and weekly monitored to
detect individuals leaving the site. Along the overwinter-
ing period, individuals were collected and brought to the
laboratory in order to determine sex, weight, size, ovari-
ole development and parasitism. The adults were main-
tained in a refrigerator at 5 °C for 1-2 days before being
individually photographed under stereoscopic microscope
(Leica MZ8) on a millimetre paper. Then, specimens
were individually preserved in ethanol 70°. The body
length and width was measured from photos using the
software programme ImageJ (Rasband W.S., US Na-
tional Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA, http://
imagej.nih.gov/ij/, 1997-2014). Alcohol preserved indi-
viduals were sexed under the microscope and then dis-
sected in Beadle’s solution in order to establish ovariole
developmental stage and potential parasitism. Weight and
size were compared at the beginning and after overwin-
tering by an ANOVA. Sex ratio was compared to 1:1
proportion by chi-square analyses.
By the end of the overwintering period, beetles
started to be more active. Their distribution within the
house (level and orientation) was periodically record-
ed (from 14 March to 2 May).
Results
Status of H. axyridis in Spain
Table 1 and Fig. 1 show the historical records of
H. axyridis in Spain, with the new mentions. In addition
to the findings of the ladybird in Spain described in the
reported and their ability to overwinter in Spain
remains to be established.
We were alerted of several aggregations of coccinel-
lids adults occurring in houses in four localities of
Northern Catalonia: a bigger one in Les Llosses (Girona
province) and two smaller ones in Alpens and Borredà
(Barcelona province) in November 2013, and another
one in Capmany (Girona province) in January 2014. We
identified all aggregations as H. axyridis and started to
monitor the overwintering population and to prospect
for new occurrences of the ladybird, mainly in Catalonia.
The present report aims 1) to describe the current
status of H. axyridis in Spain, and 2) to characterize
and follow for the first time an overwintering aggrega-
tion of the invader in the Spanish context.
Material and methods
Status of H. axyridis in Spain
Data on the occurrence of H. axyridis in Spain were
collected by a thorough review of the literature and
also by direct mentions from authors and colleagues.
In addition to the monitoring of reported aggregations
during autumn and winter, from the end of the overwin-
tering period until August, periodically (every 2-3 weeks)
a sampling was done in several locations of Catalonia
and the Basque Country on different types of vegetation.
Sampled locations in Catalonia were La Seu d’Urgell
[Lleida province; alfalfa and maize crop fields and plants
in field margins; sweep net and Vortis® suction sampler
(Burkard Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Ricksmanworth, UK)
in alfalfa and visual sampling in maize and field mar-
gins], Alpens and Borredà (Barcelona province; margin
vegetation in roads and gravel roads; visual sampling),
Barcelona city (urban parks, visual sampling and yellow
sticky traps), Lleida city (botanical garden and urban
parks; visual sampling and yellow sticky traps), Lleida’s
city surroundings and Gimenells (Lleida province; maize
fields, visual sampling and yellow sticky traps), Cabrils
(Barcelona province; margin vegetation in roads and in
parks; visual sampling), and Torroella de Montgrí (Gi-
rona province; vegetation of the banks of river Ter; vis-
ual sampling). Scouting in the Basque Country was
visually carried on in vegetable gardens and urban parks
of Zarautz (Gipuzkoa province). Occasionally, some
localities of northern Aragon (Jaca) and Navarra (Ochaga-
vía, Elizondo, Pamplona) were also visually sampled by
authors in forest and urban parks. The presence of the
insect in Catalonia was also communicated by scientists
and collaborators (colleagues from universities and re-
search centres, urban landscape managers, farm advisers,
etc.). Information to several colleagues and technical
3. Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research June 2015 • Volume 13 • Issue 2 • e1006
3Characterization of a new aggregation of the ladybeetle Harmonia axyridis in Spain
Table 1. Period and locality of the records of Harmonia axyridis in Spain. When the reference is “Authors”, it means that H. axyridis
was recorded by the authors of the present study or their collaborators
Year (Month) Locality (Region)1
Insect
developmental
stage
No. of individuals Site Reference
1995 Almería (And) ― Undetermined 2
Greenhouses SIFA(2004); Jacas et al.
(2006)
2003-04 (Oct) La Laguna (Tenerife, Can) Adult 1 individual Garden Machado (2006)
2006 Tenerife (Can) Adult 1 individual Garden Brown et al. (2008)
2007 (Jun) Loiu (Biscay, Bas) Adult 2 individuals Urban park on Tilia platyphyllos Scop.
(Eucallipterus tiliae L.)
Goldazarena Calvo
(2007)
2010 (Jul) Sant Dalmai (Girona, Cat) Adult 1 individual Next to crops Carbonell Sesma (2013)
2010 (Nov) Girona (Cat) Larva 1 individual Urban park Carbonell Sesma (2013)
2011 (Nov) Girona (Cat) Adult 1 individual Garden Carbonell Sesma (2013)
2011 (Sep) Beuda (Girona, Cat) Adult 1 individual House Carbonell Sesma (2013)
2011 (Oct) St Llorenç de la Muga
(Girona, Cat)
Adult Overwintering aggregation
(200 individuals)
House Carbonell Sesma (2013)
2011 (Nov) Gualba (Barcelona, Cat ) Adult 1 individual Village Carbonell Sesma (2013)
2012 (Jul) Barcelona (Cat) Adult 1 individual Urban park Carbonell Sesma (2013)
2012 (Jul) Santandria (Menorca, Bal) Adult 1 individual Garden Carbonell Sesma (2013)
2013 (Sep) Zarautz (Bas) Adult 1 individual Beach Lumbierres et al. (2014)
2013 (Nov) Les Llosses (Girona, Cat) Adult Overwintering aggregation
(500 individuals)
House. Some individuals on
weeds
Lumbierres et al. (2014)
2013 (Nov) Borredà (Barcelona, Cat) Adult Overwintering aggregation
(200 individuals)
House Authors
2014 (Jan) Campmany (Girona, Cat) Adult Overwintering aggregation
(100 individuals)
Farm hut Authors
2014
(Feb-May)
Les Llosses (Girona, Cat) Adult Post overwintering
dispersing individuals
(750 individuals, see text)
House Authors
2014 (Mar) Lleida (Cat) Adult 1 individual Urban (inside a car) Authors
2014 (Mar) Lluçà (Barcelona, Cat) Adult 1 individual House Authors
2014 (April) Alpens (Barcelona, Cat) Adult Post overwintering dispersing
individuals (30 indiv.)
House Authors
2014 (April) Torroella de Montgrí
(Girona, Cat)
Adult Post overwintering
(3 individuals)
Field margin on Rumex sp.
(Aphis fabae Scopoli)
Authors
2014 (April) Sant Dalmai (Girona, Cat) Adult Several individuals Next to crops Sesma (2015)
2014 (April) Roses (Girona, Cat) Adult 1 individual Urban park Sesma (2015)
2014 (April) Vilassar de Mar
(Barcelona, Cat)
Adults 1 individual Urban Sesma (2015)
2014 (May) Torroella de Montgrí
(Girona, Cat)
Adult +
Egg
Mating adults + eggs
(6 individuals)
Field margin on Arundo donax L.
(Melanaphis donacis (Passerini))
Authors
2014 (Jun) Cabrils (Barcelona, Cat) Adult +
Larva
2 adults + 1 larva Gravel road on A. donax
(M. donacis)
Authors
2014 (Jun) Borredà (Barcelona, Cat) Adult 1 individual Road edge on Urtica sp.
(Aphis urticata Gmelin)
Authors
2014 (Jun) Sabadell (Barcelona, Cat) Larva 1 individual Urban park on Liriodendron tulipifera L.
(Illinoia liriodendri (Monell)
Authors
2014 (Jun-Jul) Barcelona
(Barcelona, Cat)
Larva
Adult
1 individual
1 individual
Urban park
House
Authors
2014 (Jun) Soria Adult 1 individual Urban park Sesma (2015)
2014 (Jul) La Jonquera-Cantallops
(Girona, Cat)
Adult 1 individual Meadow Sesma (2015)
2014 (Jul) Cal Riera (Barcelona, Cat) Adult 1 individual River bank Sesma (2015)
2014 (Aug) L’Estartit (Girona, Cat) Adult Several individuals Beach Sesma (2015)
2014
(Jun, Sep)
Sant Martí d’Albars
(Barcelona, Cat)
Larva
Adult
1 individual
1 individual
Next to crops Sesma (2015)
1
And: Andalusia; Can: Canary Islands; Bas: Basque Country; Cat: Catalonia; Bal: Balearic Islands. 2
Released for biological control.
4. Xavier Pons, Meritxell Roca, Belén Lumbierres and Éric Lucas
Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research June 2015 • Volume 13 • Issue 2 • e1006
4
Fifty meters slope down of the building there is a water
stream with bank river vegetation.
The aggregation from Borredà was observed within
a room of the east side of a several attached buildings
of an isolated four-storey farm house. The house was
located on the SE slope of a hill of 970 m, at 800 m
altitude. The building was surrounded by garden veg-
etation, meadows and cereal fields and separated from
a pine and oak forest (around 100 m) and from a water
stream with bank river vegetation (150 m).
The aggregation of Alpens was observed inside a
room of the east side of a three storey farm-house,
150 m to the East from the end of the village at 870 m
altitude. The house was located in an area dominated
by pine and oak forest and uncultivated lands. Near the
house there is a road and beyond it a cultivated area
with fields of winter cereals and grasses which ends
400 m slope down at 810 m altitude.
The aggregation of Capmany occurred inside a tool-hut
and in a wood pile besides that building. The site was in a
plane area at 100 m altitude. The hut was surrounded by
orchards with vegetables and some scattered fruit trees, an
almond tree field (0.5 ha) and a vineyard of nearly 1 ha.
Characterization of the Les Llosses aggregation
Overwintering phenology. The house owner realized
the presence of the coccinellids in middle October
Introduction section, and those reported from Carbonell
Sesma (2013) and Sesma (2015) through photograph-
ic records in the website http://www.biodiversidadvirtual.
org, we have recorded overwintering aggregations in
several new sites of central and north Catalonia and the
presence in spring and summer of individuals (adult,
larvae or eggs) in some others close or far away locali-
ties from the overwintering sites. Most of the records
are concentrated in Catalonia, the only region where
overwintering aggregations have been reported.
In spring and summer, we found adults and larvae of
H. axyridis in some herbaceous plants (Rumex sp., Ur-
tica sp.), on giant reed (Arundo donax L.) and on some
trees (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) infested by aphids
(Table 1). Other coccinellid species were also collected
in these sites: Adalia decempunctata L., Coccinella
septempunctata L., Hippodamia variegata Goeze, Pro-
pylea quatuordecimpunctata L., and Scymnus sp.
Overwintering sites
The aggregation from Les Llosses occurred in a
isolated three-storey house of 135 m2
floor and 7.90 m
height, at 795 m altitude in the south-east slope of a
915 m altitude forest hill dominated by pines (Pinus
sylvestris L.) and oaks (Quercus rubor L.). The house
is surrounded by a meadow field and a tiny garden of
vegetables and with some pear, plum and quince trees.
Figure 1. Geographic distribution of Harmonia axyridis in Spain (see also Table 1). : Records from other authors in Spain and
Andorra: 1
Almeria; 2
Tenerife; 3
Loiu; 10
Menorca; 11
Soria; 12
Ordino (Andorra). : Records from other authors in Catalonia: 4
St Dalmai;
5
Girona; 6
Beuda; 7
St Llorenç de la Muga; 8
Gualba; 9
Barcelona; 21
Roses; 22
Vilassar de Mar; 26
La Jonquera-Cantallops; 27
Cal Riera;
28
L’Estartit; 29
St Martí d’Albars. *: Records from authors: 13
Zarautz (43°17’17.86”N; 2°10’01.34”W); 14
Les Llosses (42°08’37.28”N;
02°03’11.68E); 15
Borredà (42°08’10.24”N; 02°02’50.73”E); 16
Capmany (42°22’15.67”N; 02°55’22.92”E); 17
Lleida (41°37’50.45”N;
0°36’12.24”E); 18
Lluçà (42°05’00.61”N; 2°01’05.17” E); 19
Alpens (42°07’05.94N; 02°06’19.14”E); 20
Torroella de Montgrí
(42°02’32.20”N; 3°07’40.45”E); 23
Cabrils (41°31’20.92N”; 2°22’18.95”E); 24
Sabadell (41°32’39”N; 2°05’28”E); 25
Barcelona
(41°22/3.28”N; 2°9’22.65”E).
5. Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research June 2015 • Volume 13 • Issue 2 • e1006
5Characterization of a new aggregation of the ladybeetle Harmonia axyridis in Spain
viduals collected after overwintering (14 and 28 March)
(25.0±1.5 mg) (F=8.71; p=0.0034; df=1, 277). This
difference was also significant according to beetle sexes
(F=5.35; p=0.0214, df=1, 277) with a weight loss of
15% in females and of 28% in males.
The length and width did not vary with the elytra
pattern form, but again changes with sex. Body size of
females was significantly greater than males at the three
sampling dates (Table 3).
Ovariole development. Dissection of females showed
that before overwintering the ovarioles were empty of
eggs. However, after overwintering there was a progres-
sive increase of the proportion of ovarioles with eggs,
reaching more than 60% by the end of March (Table 4).
No copulating individuals were observed.
Mortality and parasitism. No old dead corpse from
previous years was found. Three hundred and fifty-
eight adults (males and females) were dissected and
no parasitized individuals were found. Neither ec-
toparasitic fungi, nor ectoparasite mites were recorded.
when she observed that in several days a large number
of a new “type” of ladybird stayed on the outer East
and South walls of her house. More than 500 adults
stayed on that walls for some days and later insects
were punctually observed within the house. On 4 No-
vember 2014, we recorded more than 200 individuals
in several quiet groups, mainly on the East inner wall
of the house. Some few adults were also observed on
herbaceous plants and grasses around the building.
During winter, overwintering individuals were mostly
hidden, but several clusters remained quiets in visible
places. An adult of Harmonia quadripunctata Pontop-
pidan was also identified within the aggregation. On 5
March, we detected movement of individuals and from
then to the end of April active adults in the house were
recorded. These individuals abandoned progressively
the house and dispersed. On 2 May, no adults remained
inside the house. No captures of adults were obtained
from yellow sticky traps or pollen bait traps.
The end of the overwintering period started at the
same time for the populations from Borredà and Alpens
but occurred a little bit earlier in Capmany (end of
February).
Elytra colour pattern. Forms succinea, conspicua
and spectabilis (according Osawa Nishida, 1992;
Mitchie et al., 2010) were found over the sampling
period. The form succinea was the prevalent over the
whole period and represented between 73 to 81% of
the individuals (Fig. 2). Among melanic forms, spect-
abilis was lightly more abundant than conspicua. There
was no difference in the elytral colour pattern between
sexes and between individuals collected before and
after overwintering.
Sex. The sex ratio was not statistically different from
1:1 for any insect form and sampling date, although
more females than males were recorded after overwin-
tering (Table 2).
Weight and size. The weight of adult individuals was
not affected by colour forms (F=1.93, p=0.1473; df=2,
271) but influenced by sex (F=4.18, p=0.0419, df=1,
271), females weighting more than males at each sam-
pling date (Table 3). Also, individual weight changed
according to the sampling date (F=4.52, p=0.0118,
df=2, 271). Individuals collected before overwintering
(4 November) being heavier (30.8±0.7 mg) than indi-
Proportion(%)
Colour Pattern
4-Nov 26-Feb 14-Mar 20-Mar
succinea
spectabilis
conspicua
28-Mar
100
80
60
40
20
0
Figure 2. Proportion of colour forms of Harmonia axyridis from
Les Llosses (Girona, Catalonia) at overwintering (November 4
and February 26) and after overwintering (March 14, 20 and 28).
Table 2. Sex ratio (%) of Harmonia axyridis individual from
the population of Les Llosses before and after overwintering
Period
% of individuals
χ2
p
♀ ♂
Before overwintering 44.6 55.4 1.16 0.28
After overwintering 57.2 42.8 2.07 0.15
Table 3. Mean ± S.E. values of weight, length and width of females and males of Harmonia axyridis from Les Llosses (Girona,
Catalonia) at the beginning of overwintering (4 November) and after overwintering (14 and 28 March)
Body
measure
4 Nov 14 Mar 28 Mar
♀ ♂ ♀ ♂ ♀ ♂
Weight (mg) 32.78 ± 1.22 a 19.22 ± 0.57 b 28.27 ± 1.26 a 21.98 ± 1.12 b 27.67 ± 3.04 a 20.73 ± 0.46 b
Length (mm) 6.91 ± 0.08 a 6.61 ± 0.16 a 7.20 ± 0.10 a 6.62 ± 0.08 b 7.16 ± 0.05 a 6.63 ± 0.05 b
Width (mm) 5.54 ± 0.07 a 5.37 ± 0.04 b 5.82 ± 0.09 a 5.56 ± 0.06 b 5.81 ± 0.04 a 5.59 ± 0.05 b
6. Xavier Pons, Meritxell Roca, Belén Lumbierres and Éric Lucas
Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research June 2015 • Volume 13 • Issue 2 • e1006
6
sion is the fact that until now, the ladybeetle is re-
stricted to the North-East of Spain (Catalonia). Records
from other regions of Spain (Basque Country, Balear-
ic and Canary Islands, Andalusia, and the latest in Soria
(http://www.biodiversidadvirtual.org) suggest that the
insect has not been established there yet.
What is the origin of the invasive population?
Two hypotheses can be formulated about the po-
tential origin of the population: first, the Spanish
origin (colonization derived from previously released
ladybeetle in Almeria, south of Spain) and second,
the European origin. Logically, the Almeria hypoth-
esis should be discarded, since the release was con-
sidered unestablished (Jacas et al., 2006; Brown et al.,
2011a), and no individual has been reported from the
south of Spain since this time. Considering the Euro-
pean hypothesis, Lombaert et al. (2010, 2014) re-
ported three routes of invasion of the European
populations of the beetle, one coming from its native
area released for biocontrol 1982 in France (named,
European Biocontrol Strain), and another two, each
one coming from eastern or western USA. In absence
of genetic analyses, it is impossible to determine
without any doubt the origin of the Spanish popula-
tions. However, the relative proportion of elytral color
forms can be quite different among populations from
different countries. For example, in USA and Eastern
Canada, melanic forms are virtually absent (Koch,
2003; Lucas, pers. obs.). In the Spanish aggregation
about 20% of the individuals have melanic forms and
the relative proportion of elytral color forms (Fig. 2)
is similar to other European populations (Adriaens
et al., 2008; Burgio et al., 2008; Brown et al., 2008;
Stankovic et al., 2011). Brown et al. (2008) suggest
During the monitoring of the aggregation, no mortal-
ity was recorded.
Distribution of active ladybeetles in the overwinter-
ing house. A total of 761 observations of active indi-
viduals after overwintering were effectively done. In-
dividuals were frequently found in groups, especially
in the corners of the windows, or below window frames
on the wall, or in the corners of ornamental devices on
shelves on the wall. Most of the first active individuals
were observed at the first floor, probably because it
was the warmer level of the house. Later on the season,
although active ladybeetles were observed in all house
storeys, most of them were at the ground floor
(Fig. 3A). In relation to the orientation, the insects
preferred the East side of the house (Fig. 3B).
Discussion
The present results on the overwintering aggrega-
tions of the Asiatic ladybeetle and the numerous new
mentions of the beetle reported establish clearly that
the invasion process is in progress in Spain. Harmonia
axyridis is present, reproduces, lays eggs, develops and
overwinters successfully in Spain. The second conclu-
Table 4. Number of Harmonia axyridis females with ovari-
oles containing eggs at three dates of the overwintering pro-
cess: before (November 4) and after (March 14 and 28) over-
wintering
Date
Female
dissected
number
No. of females % of females
with ovarioles containing eggs
4 November 45 0 0
14 March 36 3 8.33
28 March 99 63 63.63
S N E
(A) (B)
1st floor 2nd floorGround flour
Mar 14
100 %
80 %
60 %
40 %
20 %
0 %
Mar 20
100 %
80 %
60 %
40 %
20 %
0 %
Mar 28 Apr 4 Apr 10 May 2 Mar 14 Mar 20 Mar 28 Apr 4 Apr 10 May 2
Figure 3. Proportion of active individuals recorded after overwintering in the three house-storeys (A) and on each orientation of
the inner walls of the house (B). No ladybeetles were recorded on May 2 and on Western walls.
7. Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research June 2015 • Volume 13 • Issue 2 • e1006
7Characterization of a new aggregation of the ladybeetle Harmonia axyridis in Spain
reproductive processes. Several studies reports a short
diapause followed by a quiescence period allowing
insects to be active if weather conditions become fa-
vourable (Iperti Bertrand, 2001; Raak-van den Berg
et al., 2012; Awad et al., 2013). The population from
Campmany, a northern locality close to France border,
finished the overwintering period before that of Les
Llosses. This may be due to a milder weather in
Capmany (due to lower altitude) according to a closer
proximity to the sea: 14.4 to 8.3 °C from October to
March in Les Llosses and 18.3 to 11.9 °C in Capmany,
with minimum 3.7 and 8.2 °C in Les Llosses and
Capmany, respectively (Servei Meteorològic de Cata-
lunya, http://www.meteocat.cat). Further studies should
be conducted in order to precise overwintering features
of the Spanish populations of H. axyridis according to
temperature, altitude, latitude and distance from the
sea.
Some Asiatic populations are female biased due to
the presence of a male-killing bacterium from genus
Spiroplasma sp. This male killer has not been reported
from H. axyridis in its introduced range (Kenis et al.,
2008). In spite of that, Awad et al. (2013) found in
Czech populations a lower survival rate during winter
of males than females resulting in a low proportion of
males in spring. We did not record significant differ-
ences to 1:1 sex ratio between sampling dates, although
a lower proportion of males was recorded after over-
wintering.
After overwintering, insects from the aggregation of
Les Llosses abandoned the house refugia and dispersed
without evidence of their destination, although a few
individuals were found in June relatively close to the
different overwintering sites. The mentions of indi-
viduals in spring and summer far of the overwintering
sites may be an evidence of the movement of the
populations or could be due to the presence of other
existing overwintering aggregations. H. axyridis is
often considered as a good flyer (Hodek et al., 1993)
and a rate of spread up to 200 km per year in Europe
has been evaluated (Brown et al., 2011a), but spreading
could also be favored by involuntary human transport
(one mention reports an adult ladybeetle in Lleida
within a car coming from northern Catalonia). It would
be very important to follow the colonization of the
Iberian Peninsula by systematic samplings of indi-
viduals during spring-summer and of overwintering
populations during winter.
Beside the spreading capacity, individuals collected
in the present study show that H. axyridis is able to
occupy very different habitats (urban landscapes, reed
beds, riparian or ruderal zones, etc.) on trees, shrubs
and herbaceous plants and that it seems that there is an
expansion from northern to central areas of Catalonia.
that the elytral color similarity in European popula-
tions is linked to limited points of origin in Europe,
as Lombaert et al. (2014) has recently stated. Finally,
all the reported mentions of H. axyridis in the present
paper come from sites at less than 150 km from the
French border. The entry may then have occurred from
France trough the Pyrenees either by natural disper-
sion of the insect, or via human transport. The finding
of the insect in Andorra (Sesma, 2015) supports this
hypothesis.
What is the phenology of the establishment
and spreading of the invasive aggregations?
Considering the timing of the invasion, the Spanish
overwintering aggregation of Les Llosses is probably
a new invasive population from 2013, since no cadav-
ers were found from previous years and since the owner
of the house who is living there had never seen the
invader before. This aggregation successfully overwin-
ters in 2013-14 and the phenology of the overwintering
coincides with the described general pattern in the
invaded countries of Europe and the Northern Hemi-
sphere (Iperti Bertrand, 2001; Koch, 2003; Raak-van
den Berg et al., 2012).
Overwintering started with the gathering of indi-
viduals in mid October, the hibernation by the end of
October or the beginning of November, and the end of
the overwintering occurred at the beginning of March.
Adults preferred mainly the East side of the house for
overwintering as is suggested by the records during the
aggregation period and by the distribution of active
insects within the house in March and April.
The presence of undeveloped ovaries in females and
the weight decrease in male and females by loss of fat
body content have been reported as signals of hibernat-
ing individuals (Sakurai et al., 1992; Iperti Bertand,
2001; Raak-van der Berg et al., 2012). Females of the
Les Llosses’ aggregation had their ovaries empty of
eggs until middle of March, when they started develop-
ing ovarioles and, by the end of March, nearly two of
each three females had eggs in their ovarioles. Further-
more, males and females lose weight, although loss
was higher in males than in females. The results on
female ovariole development and adult weight suggest
that the aggregation of Les Llosses has suffered a real
hibernation. Ceryngier et al. (2004) showed that fe-
males of some coccinellid species may have inactive
ovaries in early dormancy but sperm in their sper-
matheca, facilitating an early fertilization process in
overwintering sites or nearby them. The lower weight
loss in females than in males in the Les Llosses’s ag-
gregation may be an indicator that females started their
8. Xavier Pons, Meritxell Roca, Belén Lumbierres and Éric Lucas
Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research June 2015 • Volume 13 • Issue 2 • e1006
8
Katsanis et al., 2013), negative impact on them
should be expected also in urban landscapes. In
Eastern Canada, A. bipunctata has disappeared from
urban landscapes since the arrival of H. axyridis
(Lucas, pers. obs.).
The Asian lady beetle would also probably invade
forestal and more-open natural environments. For ex-
ample, fifteen years after its arrival in Quebec (Cana-
da), the multicoloured H. axyridis was clearly the
dominant species in undisturbed wild meadow ecosys-
tems demonstrating that these habitats will not consti-
tute a natural refuge from the invader for native species
(Bélanger Lucas, 2011).
To improve their survival during winter, H. axy-
ridis feeds on sugar-containing fruits like apples, pears
or grapes in late autumn (Koch, 2003; Lucas et al.,
2007b; Galvan et al., 2008). In the case of grapevines,
insects could be harvested with the fruit and during the
process beetles release haemolymph containing sub-
stances that can alter the smell and taste of wine (see
Pickering et al., 2004). The invasion by H. axyridis
could then constitute a threat for the fruit and wine
industry in Spain.
No parasitized individuals were recorded from the
aggregation of Les Llosses in samples taken at the
beginning and after overwintering. Furthermore, no
parasitized individuals were collected in spring or sum-
mer. Dinocampus coccinellae Schrank (Hymenoptera:
Ichneumonidae) and Hesperomyces viriscens Thaxt.
(Ascomycota; Laboubeniales) are common parasites
of coccinellids recorded in Catalonia on several coc-
cinellid species as C. septempunctata, H. variegata, O.
conglobata and A. decempunctata (Lumbierres, pers.
obs.), so that H. axyridis is susceptible to be parasitized
by these parasites. However, a recent study shows that
natural enemies are still unable to control populations
of H. axyridis in Europe (Raak-van den Berg et al.,
2014). In America also, despite the fact that D. coc-
cinellae readily attacks H. axyridis, the success of the
parasitism is very low and lower than on other coc-
cinellid species, due to host behavioral defenses and
unsuitability (Firlej et al., 2005, 2010).
Van Lenteren et al. (2008) defined H. axyridis as a
potentially risky species for Northwest Europe and
Brown et al. (2008) predicted than the expansion of
the invader in Europe would occur mainly to the north-
ern and eastern countries and that the spread southward
is uncertain (see also Kontodimas et al., 2008; Soares
et al., 2008). However, the reports of Kulijer (2010)
in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Stankovic et al. (2011) in
Croatia and the present study, demonstrate the high
potential of invasion in southern Mediterranean coun-
tries. The Asiatic ladybeetle has a huge phenotypical
plasticity. The insect is euryphagous, eurytopic and
What will be the impact of the invasion
by H. axyridis and what should we expect
in the future?
The impacts of the invasion by the Asiatic ladybee-
tle have been thoroughly reported in the invaded re-
gions, with positive but mainly negative effects related
to its establishment [see Majerus et al. (2006) as a
revision]. Since the establishment of the beetle in Spain
is now demonstrated, impacts of H. axyridis should be
expected, and negative ones should be similar to those
described elsewhere. Firstly, domestic problems would
occur with high densities of the insect invading human
houses for overwintering, as it was the case in the pre-
sent study.
Secondly, impact on native or already established
ladybeetle species may also occur. The arrival of H.
axyridis is associated to drastic changes in coccinellid
assemblages all around the word (Colunga-Garcia
Gage, 1998; Michaud, 2002; Lucas et al., 2007a,b;
Pell et al., 2008; Bélanger Lucas, 2011; Roy et al.,
2012). Catalonia has a diverse agriculture dominated
by winter cereals, maize, alfalfa, vegetables in open
air and greenhouse, fruit orchards and vineyards. H.
axyridis has been reported in all of these crops over
Europe and America, as well as in urban landscapes.
For example, in Belgium, Vandereycken et al. (2013)
reported that maize is one of the crops most affected.
Some of the most abundant coccinellids in Spanish
arable crops (that is, C. septempunctata, H. varie-
gata and P. quatuordecimpunctata) move between
alfalfa, winter cereals and maize to follow aphid
populations and demonstrate clear patterns of relative
abundance (Pons Eizaguirre, 2009; di Lascio et al.,
unpublished data). In the present study, no H. axy-
ridis has been recorded in maize and alfalfa (two
crops where coccinellids are abundant) and this sug-
gests that the invasion of the Asian ladybeetle is re-
cent. However, the invasion of crop fields should be
promptly observed, as has happened in other coun-
tries, and all these three native coccinellids species
are showed to be in disadvantage intraguild predation
experiments with H. axyridis (Ware Majerus, 2008;
Lucas, 2012; Katsanis et al., 2013).
Spring and summer records from the present study
show that H. axyridis has already colonized urban
landscapes in Spain. In these environments, Oenopia
conglobata L., Adalia bipunctata L., A. decempunc-
tata, H. variegata and Scymnus sp. are the predom-
inant ladybeetle species (Lumbierres et al., 2005;
Pons Lumbierres, 2013). Since asymmetric in-
traguild predation in favor of the invader has been
reported for all the native ladybeetle species (Ware
Majerus, 2008; Brown et al., 2011b; Lucas, 2012;
9. Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research June 2015 • Volume 13 • Issue 2 • e1006
9Characterization of a new aggregation of the ladybeetle Harmonia axyridis in Spain
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Roy HE, 2011b. Decline in native ladybirds in response
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Burgio G, Santi F, Lanzoni A, Masetti A, De Luigi V, Mel-
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Carbonell R, Sesma JM, 2013. Confirmada la presencia de
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Coccinellidae). BV news 16: 12-17.
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has successfully colonized drastically different coun-
tries and landscapes (Brown et al., 2008). In spite of
the different climatic conditions of Spain (oceanic in
north and west, continental in center, and Mediterra-
nean in northeast, east and south) we may expect the
invasion process to continue until colonization of the
complete country, even the sub-tropical area of south-
west Almería, Granada, Málaga) may be colonized
since H. axyridis was recently reported in Kenya
(Nedved et al., 2011). Furthermore, the relatively
warm Spanish climate would probably allow a higher
survival rate during winter, and would not act as a
barrier in absence of human houses such as in Canada
(Labrie et al., 2008).
In conclusion, the results of this paper show that H.
axyridis is already established in Spain and, although
until now is restricted to Catalonia, the invading pro-
cess is in progress.
Acknowledgements
We thank Carme Forcada and Montse Barniol for
allowing us to monitor the overwintering aggregation
in Les Llosses. We also thank Cristina Castañé, Mat-
ilde Eizaguirre, Ramon Albajes, Anaïs Lucas, Anna
Lleixà, Joan Gual, Filipe Madeira, David Pons and
Oscar Alomar for helping in sampling and the new
records advising and all the other colleagues and tech-
nical advisers who scouted the ladybird for us in other
regions of Spain.
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