Genetic estimations for body size characters, development period and development rate in a coccinelid beetle,Harmonia axyridis

Heritabilities and genetic correlations for body size characters and development period in a coccinellid beetle,Harmonia axyridis were estimated by a sib-analysis experiment. Positive genetic correlations were detected between size characters and development rate. If this is upheld in the field, genetic variation would be eliminated, as the loci affecting the characters are supposed to be fixed. However, the results indicated moderate heritabilities for all characters. Possible explanations for the results are discussed.