AZIJSKA BOŽJA OVČICA Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) - NOVI ČLAN FAUNE U HRVATSKOJ

Asian lady beetle Harmonia axyridis Pallas was introduced in USA and Canada at the beginning of the last century. In 1995, it was introduced in Europe as a biological tool to control aphids. Nowadays, insect is distributed in the most European countries. In 2010 it was recorded on currant, gooseberry, nettles and wild cherry in Croatia, Ratkovica (Pleternica). In fall 2010, it was recorded in Kutjevo area, in vineyards, as well as in households in area of Semeljci in populations with great abundances. Harmonia axyridis is characterized by great polymorphism. They predate on aphids, but also can feed on larvae of other ladybirds. It can be found on mature fruits and grapes. Infected clusters of grapes should be segregated while processing, otherwise wine decreases its quality because of the presence of alkaloids. While overwintering, they tend to group, and this is one of the leading characteristics indicating this species since other lady beetle do not group. Often, they are household nuisance, and can cause allergies. It is important to stop using this insect species as biological control option. Integrated pest management is advised in control of multicoloured Asian lady beetle, such as mechanical measures, natural enemies and predators. Chemical measures should be avoided because of the detrimental effect on other useful lady beetle.Božja ovčica Harmonia axyridis Pallas ili azijska božja ovčica unesena je početkom prošlog stoljeća u SAD i Kanadu, a od 1995. godine u Europu radi biološkog suzbijanja lisnih i štitastih uši. Danas je prisutna u većini europskih zemalja. U Hrvatskoj je utvrđena 2010. godine na području Ratkovice (Pleternica) na ribizu, ogrozdu, koprivi i višnji. U jesen 2010. zabilježena je na vinogradima na području Kutjeva, a kao masovna pojava u domovima na području Semeljaca. Harmonia axyridis odlikuje se morfološkim polimorfizmom. Hrani se lisnim i štitastim ušima, ali u nedostatku hrane napada i ličinke drugih korisnih božjih ovčica. Nalazi se na zrelom voću i grožđu. Ako se pojavi u preradi grožđa, zbog alkaloida koje sadrži, vino gubi na kvaliteti. Božje ovčice sklone su grupiranju za vrijeme prezimljavanja te se gotovo sa sigurnošću može reći da se radi o ovoj vrsti (Kidd et al., 1995.) Pojavljuju se često u domovima te mogu izazivati neugodnosti, a i alergije kod ljudi. Važno je ne koristiti ih kao biološko sredstva zaštite. U borbi protiv azijske božje ovčice treba primjenjivati integriranu zaštitu kao što su mehaničke mjere, prirodni neprijatelji, predatori, dok se kemijske mjere ne preporučuju zbog štetnog utjecaja na druge korisne božje ovčice