EXperimentally Orientated genomics to Tackle Insects adaptive Challenges during bioinvasions: the ladybird Harmonia axyridis as a model species

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Andreas Vilcinskas; Dr. Heiko Vogel
• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Plants and Ecosystems ; Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 243301055

The harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis has emerged as an attractive model species for invasion biology, reflecting its remarkable capacity to outcompete native ladybird species when introduced into new habitats. EXOTIC was designed by researchers from three EU-countries (Belgium, France and Germany) to decipher the adaptive pathways underlying the global invasive success of H. axyridis and to assess the negative impacts on native ladybird species. It combines development of genomic / transcriptomic resources and associated statistical methods with simulation-based investigations to determine genomic signatures of adaptations. In order to analyze the genetic basis of three traits that evolved during invasion we will perform laboratory selection experiments. In addition, we will subject the phenotypic differences in aggregation behavior, immunity and stress responses between different populations to quantitative genetic analyses. Complementarily, in natura genomic studies will be carried out to address rapid adaptive shifts associated with invasion. Addressing a further major task of the BIODIVERSA program, demonstrating and characterizing the impacts of biological invaders, we will evaluate the potential threat of the recently discovered H. axyridis-associated microsporidia for indigenous ladybird species. Particularly, we will investigate whether the microsporidia which are tolerated by the invasive carrier H. axyridis can spread following intraguild predation, killing indigenous ladybirds and thus ultimately resulting in their decline.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Belgium, France
• Participating Persons: Dr. Benoit Facon; Dr. François Verheggen