Emma Rhule
Is it possible that Emma prefers
these mites to ladybirds?
Position
PhD Student
Organisation
Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge
Ladybird research keywords
Harmonia axyridis, Coccipolipus hippodamiae, sexually transmitted
disease, biological control, host-parasite interactions
Description of work
The aim of my PhD is to assess the potential of the sexually-transmitted mite, Coccipolipus
hippodamiae, as a biocontrol agent of the invasive ladybird, Harmonia axyridis.
This mite is known to induce sterility in infected females of a number of coccinellids,
notably the 2-spot ladybird, Adalia bipunctata. I am interested to see
whether this same effect occurs in the Harlequin and whether it could play a role
in reducing population numbers. Before a programme of release could be considered,
a number of factors must be considered including whether the desired reduction in
population numbers would occur and the potential knock on effects on native coccinellids.
I am also interested in studying this system at the genetic level to compare populations
of C. hippodamiae on different host species and in different host ranges
to elucidate any genetic differentiation that may have arisen as a result of host-parasite
coevolution.
Key publications
Rhule, E. L., Majerus, M. E. N. & Ware, R. W. Potential use of the sexually-transmitted
mite Coccipolipus hippodamiae (Acaridae: Podopolipidae) in controlling
populations of the invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
(in prep)