The rare five-spot ladybird Coccinella quinquepunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) surviving in an unstable habitat

Farrow, Rachel A.; Roy, Helen E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6050-679X; Brown, Peter M.J.. 2022 The rare five-spot ladybird Coccinella quinquepunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) surviving in an unstable habitat. Frontiers in Conservation Science, 2, 759038. 10, pp. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcosc.2021.759038

Before downloading, please read NORA policies.

Preview

Text N531870JA.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. Download (905kB) | Preview

Abstract/Summary

Coccinella quinquepunctata (the five-spot ladybird), was considered extinct in the UK until 1987. Since this time the species is abundant, however, only in very specific habitat in Wales and Scotland. As a result, it is classified as (RDB3) Rare, mainly as a result of its preferred habitat; exposed riverine sediment. This habitat is in a constant state of alteration by natural and anthropogenic means with the quality of the habitat being degraded to the point that specialised invertebrate species, such as C. quinquepunctata, are at risk. In recent years, the rapid spread of the invasive alien Harmonia axyridis (harlequin ladybird) has been linked to a decline in native coccinellid numbers. There is concern that the narrow habitat requirements of C. quinquepunctata, together with the continuing spread of H. axyridis, will result in a decline in the abundance of C. quinquepunctata. Two habitat types (exposed riverine sediment and grassland adjacent to the ERS) along 12 Welsh rivers were surveyed for C. quinquepunctata, H. axyridis, and other coccinellids. When an individual coccinellid was recorded, so too was its elevation from the substrate. Plant species that C. quinquepunctata were observed on and vegetation density on the shingle were assessed in broad categories. Of all recorded coccinellids, 76% were C. quinquepunctata while 7% were H. axyridis. A third of the sites had no records of H. axyridis, while C. quinquepunctata was recorded at all sites. A significantly greater number of C. quinquepunctata were observed within 0.5 m of the exposed riverine sediment rather than higher up on the vegetation. Presence of the invasive plant Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) may have a negative effect on C. quinquepunctata, as it directly affects the vegetation growth on expose riverine sediment. These findings indicate that intraguild predation is unlikely to occur given the low abundance of H. axyridis in C. quinquepunctata habitat. However, the unstable nature of exposed riverine sediment, and a combination of threats from invasive alien species indicates that this species is still at risk of sudden decline and requires further monitoring and conservation efforts.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.3389/fcosc.2021.759038
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Biodiversity (Science Area 2017-)
ISSN:	2673-611X
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	5-spot ladybird, Coccinella quinquepunctata, exposed riverine sediment, Harmonia axyridis, invasive alien species, unstable river shingle
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	01 Feb 2022 16:14 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/531870

Actions (login required)

View Item

Document Downloads

More statistics for this item...