First record of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae) in South Dakota and notes on its activity there and in Minnesota

The first specimen of the exotic coccinellid, Harmonia axyridis, from South Dakota was collected in Brookings County in October 1996. Twenty-eight mor e specimens of H. axyridis were collected in Brookings County through April 2000, but none was found at other collecting sites in the state. Specimens were also collected from Minnesota, but subsequent to previous reports of H. axyridis there. All of our specimens were adults of the succinea color f orm. Most were collected outdoors and associated with autumn aggregations. Some H. axyridis were active in low numbers at a residence in South Dakota throughout winter 1999-2000. Implications of our findings are discussed reg arding the behavior and origin of H. axyridis in South Dakota and Minnesota , and its possible impact on resident arthropod communities.