Flexible aggregative behavior of Harmonia axyridis according to the freshness of area marking in overwintering sites

The multicolored Asian ladybeetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), aggregates inside dwellings and buildings during winter to survive cold. This adaptive behavior causes annoyances to the occupants because of their large number and the induction of allergic reactions. Although this species has aroused a great interest these last years, the factors involved in the selection of its overwintering sites remain misunderstood. The work presented herein was oriented to the study of the non-volatile chemical compounds involved in this aggregation behavior. Chemical analyses revealed the occurrence, in aggregation sites, of an area marking made up of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. Behavioral investigations demonstrated that H. axyridis preferentially aggregates in sites previously marked by congeners, indicating the retention potential of this blend on overwintering individuals. In the second instance, the same analyses were performed on an area marking aged of one year. The chemical investigations showed that only saturated hydrocarbons can still be detected after that period of time but the remaining blend does not induce aggregation anymore. This difference of response according to the freshness of the area marking suggests that this species would not be prisoner of the marking previously deposited on the substrate if the surrounding has changed and the site is not suitable anymore