Are we studying too few taxa? Insights from aphidophagous ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract

Many areas of biology employ standard model organisms on which a majority of research effort is concentrated. However, there is invariably a danger associated with the use of too few or atypical models for studies of particular taxonomic groups, guilds or biological phenomena. Using aphidophagous ladybirds, I show that in this group, in the last ten years, 69% of research has been concentrated on just five species, all generalist ecotypes. Much research is now concentrated on invasive species, originally biocontrol agents, and over half the aphidophagous ladybird work on intraguild interactions is centred on two of the five predominant species, Coccinella septempunctata and Harmonia axyridis. Using examples from differing areas of research, I show that studies of more unusual, non-commercial specialists can enhance our understanding of the commonly studied groups. I suggest further areas where a similar approach may lead to equally illuminating results.