Asian lady beetle + microsporidia = Native lady beetle death!

As we've noted before in this blog, the decline of many native lady beetle species occurring in North America and other countries coincides with the presence of the Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis. The mechanisms as to why this is the case have been unclear. Is Harmonia a more effective predator than natives? Is it merely eating the natives at a particular life stage (termed intraguild predation, and the topic of Chelsea's M.S. thesis)? Does it have a faster life cycle and therefore able to reproduce in higher numbers?

A new study published today in Science reports that H. axyridis may be such an effective invasive species due to microsporidia in its hemolymph. These microsporidia are safe for their hosts, but when native species (to Europe), such as Coccinella septempunctata, were injected with these microsporidia they died. In the field, this may mean that consumption of H. axyridis eggs is lethal to intraguild competitors.

C. septempunctata is also established in the U.S., and is a dominant competitor of our own native species. It will be interesting to see how these new findings will influence our understanding of American native lady beetle declines.

Harmonia axyridis (wikipedia) 

Report in Science (paywall): http://www.sciencemag.org/content/340/6134/862

Science Daily article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130516142541.htm

Are you signed up for the Gardiner Lab Buckeye Lady Beetle Blitz training workshop?

Insects in the news

Insects made the front page of the Huffington Post today with a catchy title. Research is ongoing regarding the cause of colony collapse disorder (CCD), and there is strong evidence that neonicotinoids have a detrimental effect on honey bees. These chemicals are used extensively on crops as pesticides. Now that the EPA is being sued by an environmental group in addition to beekeepers, entomologists are likely to be questioned during on the stand during the trial. We'll be on the lookout for more info!

Source: Huff Post Article
Article describing the effect of Neonicotinoids on honey bees: TheGuardian

Stewardship Network conference: The Science, Practice, & Art of Restoring Native Ecosystems

Last week four members of the ALE Lab attended the Annual Stewardship Network conference in East Lansing, MI. We sat in on multiple workshops and presentations, ate great food, and met up with some old friends! All four of us presented posters in the student competition:

Caitlin:  Effects of Urban Land Use Change on Spider Community Structure

Ben: Habitat Additions and the Effects Observed on Natural Enemies and Pests in Ohio Pumpkin Crops

Scott: Bee Diversity and Pollination Services Provided to Urban Garden and Turf-Based Vacant Lot Habitats

Chelsea: The Predator Composition of Coccinellid Egg Masses Varies Among Egg Mass Species and Across Foraging Habitats; Considerations for Native Coccinellid

Group picture at breakfast

Bring Back the Pollinators!

The Xerces society is a group that is very active in insect conservation. Currently they are working to stop the observed decline in pollinators with thier "Bring Back the Pollinators" campaign. (Xerces: Bring Back the Pollinators website)

Whole Foods is also raising donations for the Xerces society called "Share the Buzz". The following Whole Foods Market vendor companies are raising funds as well:

Annie's
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc
Alba Botanica
Almond Breeze
Amy's Kitchen
Arrowhead Mills
Attune Foods
Avalon Organics
Blue Diamond
Earth's Best
Evian Natural Spring Water
GoGo squeeZ
Honest Tea
Honeydrop Beverages
Lake Champlain Chocolates
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day
O.N.E. Coconut Water
Pacific Natural Foods
Popcorn Indiana
PROBAR
Sambazon
Small Planet Foods
Springfield Creamery/Nancy's Yogurt
Stonyfield
Terra
Three Twins Ice Cream
WestSoy
Wholesome Sweeteners
Yogi Tea

With 75% of our food relying on pollinators, it is important to continue working to improve habitats for important pollinators.