First record of the introduced ladybird beetle, Coccinella undecimpunctata Linnaeus (1758), on South Georgia (sub-Antarctic)

Tichit, Pierre; Roy, Helen E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6050-679X; Convey, Peter ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8497-9903; Brickle, Paul; Newton, Rosemary J.; Dawson, Wayne. 2023 First record of the introduced ladybird beetle, Coccinella undecimpunctata Linnaeus (1758), on South Georgia (sub-Antarctic). Ecology and Evolution, 13 (9), e10513. 7, pp. 10.1002/ece3.10513

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Abstract/Summary

Biological invasions represent a growing threat to islands and their biodiversity across the world. The isolated sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia in the South Atlantic Ocean is a highly protected area that relies on effective biosecurity including prevention, surveillance and eradication to limit the risk of biological invasions. Based on an opportunistic field discovery, we provide the first report of an introduced ladybird beetle on South Georgia. All specimens discovered belong to the Eurasian species Coccinella undecimpunctata Linnaeus (1758) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Tens of individuals of both sexes were discovered at a single location, indicating that the species may already be established on South Georgia. Transport connectivity with this site suggests that the species most likely arrived recently from the Falkland Islands as a stowaway on a ship. We discuss the implications of our discovery for the continued development of South Atlantic biosecurity.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1002/ece3.10513
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Biodiversity (Science Area 2017-)
ISSN:	2045-7758
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	Coleoptera, Coccinellidae, sub-Antarctic entomology, biological invasion, non-native species, invasive alien species, surveillance, biosecurity
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	11 Sep 2023 11:50 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/535490

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