Entomopathogenic fungi found in field populations of the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis

Abstract: A survey of natural enemies in larvae (including prepupae), pupae and adults of theharlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, showed that several species of entomopathogenic fungicould be isolated from samples of the three life stages collected at different times of year. In2007-2008 Isaria farinosa was the most prevalent species in larvae and pupae. In contrast, in theautumn of 2009 Beauveria bassiana was the dominant species in larvae, prepupae and pupae. Theprevalence of fungus infection varied greatly between locations, life stages and time of year. Wealso report the finding of the parasitic fungus Hesperomyces virescens from an adult H. axyridiscollected in Germany.