Genetic Heterogeneity and Adaptive Strategies of the Ladybird Harmonia axyridis Pall. (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae)

Analysis of microstatial variability of the phenetic composition of populations of the ladybird Harmonia axyridis Pall. is performed in Baikal region of the Primorskii krai. It is revealed that the phenetic composition of the Baikal H. axyridis population is significantly more labile than that in Primorie. In individual micropopulations the phenoimage is clarified due to a local increase in frequency of the morph succinea. Individual and family testing of H. axyridis individuals from the Primorie and Baikal populations is performed by the quantitative parameters affecting the adaptability-the larval and pupal survival at starvation, critical weight of pupation, the imago weight and fertility. At starvation of larvae of the IV instars for 3-4 days, only the morph succinea individuals from the Primorie population reached the imago stage. The oviposition value in these imagoes corresponded to the mean for the population (31.2 +/- 1.06 eggs). The obtained result confirms the earlier expressed suggestion that the morph succinea is distinguished by a high ecologic plasticity. This morph is able to survive under conditions of the food deficit and is characterized by the intermediate, but stable reproduction.