Distribution of Hippodamia Convergens Guérin-Méneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in the south of Chile.

Abstract

Hippodamia convergens Guérin–Menenville is one of the most important species of aphidophagous coccinellids of Chile, whose distribution has been reported in northern Chile (Regions I, II, III and IV), with one record of its presence also in Valdivia (Region X). Its distribution has not been previously studied, except for one author who reported its presence throughout Chile, with the exception of the XI region of Aysén.
Weekly observations for the presence of H. convergens were conducted in different sites within the IXth Region of La Araucanía during 4 periods, between October and May. Plants located on the roadsides and within farms were studied for the presence of H. convergens. The results of these observations indicated that H. convergens is present throughout the entire region of La Araucanía, with the highest abundance during the middle and end of summer. During the first observation period a total of 8 specimens were observed, during the second period of observation 152 were observed, 245 specimens were observed during the third period and 302 in the final period. The highest abundance of H. convergens in the IX Region was detected in the dry interior agroecological zone, followed by the pre-Andes foothills, the Andes mountains, the central depression and, finally, the coastal dry land.