Expansion of Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis Pall. (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) in Armenia

Abstract

Data on the expansion of the range of an invasive beetle species, harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis Pall.), in Armenia are presented. The species was first recorded in 2016 in the extreme northwest of Armenia; however, in 2018, the species was found in several localities of Central Armenia and in the basin of Lake Sevan and its mass outbreak was recorded in the extreme northeast of Armenia. It is assumed that the species penetrated into Armenia from Georgia as a result of self-colonization (in the northeast of Armenia) or owing to an unintentional introduction along the main roads of Armenia together with fruit and vegetable products.