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Propagation of the Microsporidian Parasite Edhazardia aedis in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes

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Effects of an unidentified microsporidium on the convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville

P Joudrey¹, S Bjørnson

¹Department of Biology, Saint Mary's University, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 3C3.

Journal of Invertebrate Pathology

|November 4, 2006

Summary

A microsporidium infection significantly reduces egg production and survival in convergent lady beetles (Hippodamia convergens), impacting their effectiveness for aphid control in gardens and agriculture.

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Area of Science:

Entomology
Pest Management
Insect Pathology

Background:

Convergent lady beetles (Hippodamia convergens) are widely used for biological aphid control.
Commercial lady beetle populations are sourced from overwintering aggregations.
The impact of pathogens on commercially sourced beneficial insects is a critical concern for effective biological control.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of an unidentified microsporidium on the life history of commercially sourced Hippodamia convergens.
To determine if microsporidian infection influences key life history traits relevant to aphid control efficacy.

Main Methods:

Commercially available Hippodamia convergens were assessed for microsporidian infection.
Life history parameters including development time, larval mortality, egg production, and adult survival were compared between infected and uninfected beetles.
Statistical analyses were performed to determine significant differences.

Main Results:

Microsporidia-infected Hippodamia convergens exhibited significantly longer mean development times (15.40 days) compared to uninfected beetles (14.76 days).
Cumulative mean egg production was substantially lower in infected females (545.8 eggs) versus uninfected females (928.3 eggs).
Mean adult survival was also significantly reduced in infected beetles (64.5 days) compared to uninfected beetles (77.1 days).

Conclusions:

The unidentified microsporidium negatively impacts key life history traits of Hippodamia convergens, including fecundity and longevity.
These detrimental effects may compromise the efficacy of commercially sourced lady beetles for biological aphid control.
Further research is needed to identify the microsporidium and explore mitigation strategies for pathogen-induced reductions in beneficial insect performance.