Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a predacious ladybird new in Australia

Abstract

The originally Palaearctic but now widespread coccinellid Hippodamia variegata was recorded for the first time in Australia at Gatton, Queensland, in November 2000. Since then, it has been recorded preying on 12 different aphid species and a psyllid, on a variety of crops, weeds and ornamental plants. Within a year of its discovery, it had been recorded within a distance of 800 km north and south and 500 km west of the original collection point. Collection and observation records are presented.