First occurrence of Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccineludae) in Ohio

Ladybird beetles, or coccinellids (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), are significant arthropod predators in a variety of terrestrial ecosystems. Numerous classical biological control projects undertaken over the last 120 years in North America have involved importation of exotic ladybird beetle species for the control of invasive insect species in annual and perennial agricultural production systems. Some examples of coccinellid species imported into North America in the last 40-50 years include the seven-spotted ladybird, Coccinella septempunctata L., the variegated ladybird, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), and the multi-colored Asian ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas). Some of these imported coccinellids have established quite successfully in many habitats of the continent, and in at least certain situations, have demonstrated significant prey population regulation capacity.