Ladybird communities in rural woodlands: Does an invader dominate?

The invasive alien species Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was first observed in the UK 2004. Previous studies have demonstrated adverse effects on other of H. during its early stages establishment. However, habitat factors are important determining distribution and population trends ladybirds. Whilst abundance is well known within urban managed habitats, much less about wider countryside. Here we present results surveys from rural woodland habitats to assess whether or not dominates coccinellid communities these habitats. Additionally, explored relationship between aphid All field sites were Cambridgeshire Suffolk, East Anglia, surveyed May October 2016 2017. Three deciduous three coniferous included study. Surveys conducted using a standardised approach involving sweep-netting grass margins tree beating sample ladybirds trees. distinct vegetation structures layers both sites; tree, shrub herb layer. captured coccinellids identified species-level. Seventeen over 1300 individuals recorded study period two site types (deciduous, coniferous). Species richness lower at (n = 12) comparison 16) sites. community also did appear be dominated by sites, contrast areas. Deciduous appeared lesser preferred than woodland. there difference relation structure (across layers) Our indicate that native We discuss way which woodlands could act as refuge for some coccinellids.