Expansion of the Distribution Range of the Ragweed Beetle, Ophraella communa LeSage, (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and its Natural Enemies in Japan

Abstract

The ragweed beetle, Ophraella communa LaSage, was attacked on ragweed plants by the predators Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) larvae and adults, chrysopid larvae, mantid larvae and adults, Piocoris varius (Uhler) adults, and Agelena opulenta L. Koch nymphs. Of the 47 prefectures in Japan, distribution of the beetle expanded to 39 prefectures by the end of 2001.