A Comprehensive Review on Diversity of Predaceous Coccinellid Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Katta Subramanya Sai Teja
Department of Entomology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur-848125, Bihar, India.
Nidheesh T. D.
Forest Protection Division, ICFRE -TFRI, Jabalpur-482021, M.P., India.
Awanindra Kumar Tiwari
Plan Protection (Entomology), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Raebareli, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208002, U.P., India and Department of Soil Conservation and Water Management, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208002, U.P., India.
Tekchand Nayak
Department of Entomology, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram Meerut-250110, U.P., India.
Anam Khan
Department of Entomology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Sri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Lucknow-Deva Road, Barabanki-225003, U.P., India.
Abhishek Yadav
Department of Entomology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208002 U.P., India.
Anto Rashwin A.
Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, Tamil Nadu., India.
Prince Sahu *
Department of Entomology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208002 U.P., India.
Arun Kumar
Department of Entomology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208002 U.P., India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This review delves into the pivotal role of coccinellid beetles, commonly known as ladybird beetles, in biological pest control and their significance in maintaining ecological balance. The successful introduction of the vedalia ladybird in 1888 to control the cottony cushion scale in California stands as a landmark in biological pest control, prompting numerous global attempts to employ predaceous ladybird beetles for aphid control. Predaceous ladybird beetles have gained attention for their ability to feed on a diverse range of prey, emphasizing the need for comprehensive biodiversity information in new areas. Coccinellids, with approximately 6,000 species globally, inhabit various environments contributing significantly to pest management. The Indian subcontinent, with its rich coccinellid diversity explored through catalogues and surveys with highlighting the ecological balance they maintain and the potential for sustainable pest management practices.
Keywords: Coccinellid beetle, Predator, insect pest, beneficial and diversity