Interactions between the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle Harmonia axyridis and the Parasitoid Dinocampus coccinellae.

(Pallas) has been introduced either intentionally or accidentally in different areas outside its native range, where it is often regarded as invasive. (Schrank) has been recorded to parasitize in the field, both in the native and introduced areas, Italy included. The percent of parasitism found in our field investigation was low (four percent). The effect of exposure time of to and the impact of parasitization on host longevity, oviposition capacity and egg fertility were evaluated in the laboratory. The acceptance and suitability of as host for were then studied, in comparison with the native coccinellid (L.), which shares the same ecological niche. The effects of parasitization on female longevity and reproduction capacity in the exotic vs. the indigenous lady beetle were also investigated. The overall results showed that negatively affected the fitness of , more than that of . The parasitoid may thus play a marginal role in controlling the populations of the Asian lady beetle, without representing a threat to .