Comparative studies of three populations of the lady beetle predator Hippodamia convergens (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae)

Allozyme electrophoresis showed much genetic Variation in Hippodamia conver gens, suggesting the possibility of geographic genetic differentiation. Twe nty-two of 31 putative allozyme loci resolved on acrylamide gels from H. co nvergens populations were polymorphic (71%). Heterozygosity (diversity) ave raged over all loci was 21.3 +/- 4.2%. However, thirteen polymorphic loci e xamined in F1 Honduran x Iowa hybrids indicated that all alleles were share d in the two populations. In addition, no significant geographic variation was observed in developmental and reproductive responses of H. convergens f rom Iowa, California, and Honduras to aphid prey densities. Al inter-popula tion and backcrosses produced fertile eggs. Adult body size of H, convergen s from Iowa and Honduras was similar. This study indicates that augmentativ ely released California H. convergens could successfully mate with local H. convergens populations in Iowa and Honduras.