Paternity and sperm competition following multiple mating in Harmonia axyridis(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract: Diverse findings related to reproduction of the invasive ladybird Harmoniaaxyridis from field observations and laboratory experiments are summarized. Sperm infertilized females remains viable after several months of overwintering. Progeny of a singlefemale has about 5 different fathers. Melanic individuals in spring mated more frequently thanlight coloured individuals and more frequently with another melanic individual. The first maleof several males mating with particular female and larger male fertilizes more progeny. Theaverage of duration of mating was 157 min. Hatchability after second mating delayed by 5days was higher (85%) than after the first mating (66%).