Harmonia axyridis in Chile: A new threat

Abstract

In this work, we document the presence of Harmonia axyridis in Chile, an invasive coccinellid species that has had negative effects in other regions of the world, such as: Impacts on non-target arthropods, invasions of houses and fruit damage. This species has been found in the last three years in the Metropolitan and Valparaíso regions, in crops, pine plantations and inside houses. We warn about the consequences of the introduction of this species to Chile and claim to take actions to avoid its spread in the country.