Tri-trophic associations of aphidophagous species of six genera of tribe Coccinellini (Coccinellinae: Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) in India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64171/JAE.5.3.30-36Keywords:
Aphids, Aphidophagous predators, Biological control, Checklist, Coccinellidae, Ladybirds, Tri-trophic associationsAbstract
The article presents a checklist of tri-trophic interactions involving eight aphidophagous species from six genera of the tribe Coccinellini (Microcaria, Palaeoneda, Phrynocaria, Protothea, Psyllobora, and Synonycha) across 12 Indian states, with the highest number of associations reported from Manipur. These ladybird beetles prey on 20 aphid species infesting 23 host plants, resulting in 43 tri-trophic associations. Two previously misidentified species have been excluded. The major aphid genera involved include Aphis, Brevicoryne, Ceratovacuna, Lipaphis, Myzus, Pseudoregma, Rhopalosiphum, Schizoneuraphis, Tuberculatus and others that affect various crops such as fruits, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables. The study highlights significant knowledge gaps in tri-trophic interactions across many regions and emphasizes the importance of this checklist as a resource for researchers, conservationists, and policymakers involved in biological pest control.
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