Egg Microinjection for the Ladybird Beetle Harmonia axyridis.

In this paper, we present a detailed protocol for microinjecting DNA, RNA, or protein solutions into fertilized eggs of the multicolored Asian ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis, under a stereomicroscope equipped with an injection apparatus. H. axyridis is an emerging model organism for studying various biological fields, showing intraspecific polymorphisms exhibiting highly diverse color patterns on the elytra. Here, we describe how to rear ladybird beetles in a laboratory and obtain fertilized eggs for microinjection experiments. We also provide a constant fluid flow injection method, which enhances the efficiency of microinjection and improves throughput. Our step-by-step protocol is applicable to generating transgenic or genome-edited ladybird beetles, facilitating functional genetics in H. axyridis; the microinjection method should be applicable to other insect eggs. Key features • Egg microinjection for the multicolored Asian ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis under a stereomicroscope with injection equipment. • Detailed procedures for post-injection care, including rearing Harmonia axyridis. • Step-by-step guide for the efficient collection of Harmonia axyridis eggs.