The Distribution, Habitat and Colour Forms Frequency of the Invasive Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) is an invasive alien coccinellid species that has rapidly spread over Europe in the last 25 years. The first report from Bosnia and Herzegovina was a record of several overwintering adults from January 2010. The species distribution was mapped on the basis of field surveys conducted from 2010 to 2015. H. axyridis was recorded at 87 localities in altitudes ranging from 1 to 2.030 m a.s.l.. The species was found to be established and widespread in the country and present in various habitats, particularly urban, ruderal and marshland habitats. It was most frequently observed on Tilia sp., Salix sp., Typha sp., Phragmites australis, Urtica dioica and Humulus lupulus. The non-melanic colour form (f. succinea) was the most dominant. The frequency of colour forms among the 496 adults was: f. succinea – 85.50%, f. spectabilis – 9.88%, f. conspicua – 4.44% and f. axyridis – 0.20%.