Th e majority of Coccinellidae are benefi cial predators and they have received considerable research attention because of their potential as biological control agents. Indeed the role of coccinellids as predators of pest insects has been a major factor in the movement of coccinellids between countries. Th e commercial production of coccinellids by biological control companies and local producers led to a rapid increase in distribution thoughout the 1990’s. To date, 13 alien coccinellid species have been documented in Europe; 11 of these are alien to Europe (two are alien to Great Britain and Sweden but native within Europe). Th e distribution of alien coccinellids in Europe mirrors the biogeographical distribution and patterns of