A catalogue of tri-trophic associations of aphidophagous arthropods in Gujarat, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64171/JAE.6.1.15-25Keywords:
Aphid, Biological control, Checklist, Hover flies, Lacewings, Ladybirds, Predator, Spiders, Tri-trophic associationsAbstract
The checklist documents 140 predator-aphid-host plant tritrophic associations in Gujarat, involving 43 aphidophagous arthropod species linked to 15 aphid species on 33 host plants across 14 districts. Spiders (Araneae) were represented by 20 species from 10 families, while Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) was the most diverse and dominant insect group, with 13 species accounting for 91 associations. Cheilomenes sexmaculata showed the broadest ecological range (14 aphid species on 29 host plants), followed by Coccinella septempunctata and Coccinella transversalis (seven aphid species each), whereas most other coccinellids exhibited narrow host ranges. Dipteran predators were scarce, represented by Leucopis auraria (Chamaemyiidae) and two syrphids (Eupeodes confrater and Ischiodon scutellaris), together forming nine associations with six aphid species on eight host plants. Chrysopidae (Neuroptera) comprised four species associated with nine aphid species on 14 host plants, yielding 16 associations, with Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi being the most prevalent. Predators were most frequently associated with Aphis craccivora and Aphis gossypii, while Gossypium hirsutum supported the highest predator diversity. Overall, the dataset underscores the predominant role of coccinellids and spiders in aphid suppression within Gujarat’s agroecosystems. However, the limited representation of dipteran and neuropteran predators, coupled with uneven district-level coverage, reveals substantial gaps in current knowledge and emphasises the need for more comprehensive, systematic surveys across the state.
References
Singh R, Verma AK, Singh G. Food plant catalogue of Indian aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae). Prayagraj (India): Asian Biological Research Foundation; Pune (India): Nature Light Publications, 2023, 350p.
Singh R, Singh G. Reproductive strategies in aphids. In: Omkar, Mishra G, editors. Reproductive strategies in insects. Boca Raton (FL): Taylor & Francis Group, 2022, 259-282. doi:10.1201/9781003043195-13
Singh R, Singh G. Aphids and their biocontrol. In: Omkar, editor. Ecofriendly pest management for food security. London: Academic Press, 2016, 63-108. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-803265-7.00003-8
Singh R. Species diversity and tri-trophic associations of aphidophagous Coccinellidae (Coleoptera: Insecta) in India. Uttar Pradesh J Zool. 2025;46(18):225-241. doi:10.56557/upjoz/2025/v46i185253
Singh R, Tiwari AK, Tiwari KM. Checklist of aphidophagous Neuroptera (Insecta: Arthroptera) in India. Internat J Biol Innov. 2024;6(2):99-127. doi:10.46505/IJBI.2024.6204
Singh R. Tri-trophic associations of aphidophagous hover flies (Syrphidae: Diptera) in different states and union territories of India. Munis Ent Zool. 2026;21(1):373-403.
Singh R, Srivastav AK. Checklist of aphidophagous predatory bugs (Heteroptera: Hemiptera: Insecta) in India. Intern J Biol Environ Invest. 2024;4(2):1-11. doi:10.33745/ijbei.2024.v04i02.001
Singh R, Singh BB, Sharma AK. Checklist of aphidophagous spiders (Araneae: Arachnida: Arthropoda) in India. Serket. 2024;20(3):288-310.
Abdala-Roberts L, Puentes A, Finke DL, Marquis RJ, Montserrat M, Poelman EH, et al. Tri-trophic interactions: bridging species, communities and ecosystems. Ecol Lett. 2019;22(12):2151-2167. doi:10.1111/ele.13392
Aroun MEF, Doumandji-Mitiche B, Petit D, Djazouli Z. Temporal variations in the life-cycles of aphids (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) and their coccinellid predators. Eur J Entomol. 2015;112(3):432-439. doi:10.14411/eje.2015.060
Cardinale BJ, Duffy JE, Gonzalez A, Hooper DU, Perrings C, Venail P, et al. Biodiversity loss and its impact on humanity. Nature. 2012;486(7401):59-67. doi:10.1038/nature11148
Letourneau DK, Jedlicka JA, Bothwell SG, Moreno CR. Effects of natural enemy biodiversity on the suppression of arthropod herbivores in terrestrial ecosystems. Annu Rev Ecol Evol Syst. 2009;40:573-592.
Casula P, Wilby A, Thomas MB. Understanding biodiversity effects on prey in multi-enemy systems. Ecol Lett. 2006;9:995-1004.
Alhadidi SN, Griffin JN, Fowler MS. Natural enemy composition rather than richness determines pest suppression. BioControl. 2018;63:575-584. doi:10.1007/s10526-018-9870-z
Dixon AFG. Insect predator-prey dynamics: ladybird beetles and biological control. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000, 257 p.
Kumar B, Omkar. Ladybird beetles. In: Omkar, editor. Insect predators in pest management. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press, 2023, 187-228. doi:10.1201/9781003370864-8
Hurali S, Narwade DK, Guntupalli S, Sarangi S, Babu SB, Pandey A, et al. Innovations in artificial rearing and mass production of beneficial insects for biocontrol: a review. Uttar Pradesh J Zool. 2025;46(5):110-125. doi:10.56557/upjoz/2025/v46i54828
Singh R. A catalogue of tri-trophic associations of aphidophagous arthropods in Uttar Pradesh, India. Uttar Pradesh J Zool. 2025;46(19):158-179. doi:10.56557/upjoz/2025/v46i195276
Singh R, Srivastav AK. An updated checklist of tri-trophic associations of aphidophagous arthropods in different districts of Uttarakhand, India. Internat J Zool Invest. 2025;11(2):810-826.
Singh R, Bhagat RC, Singh A. An updated checklist of tri-trophic associations of aphidophagous predatory arthropods in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, India. Uttar Pradesh J Zool. 2025;46(21):177-198. doi:10.56557/upjoz/2025/v46i215339
Singh R, Shukla A. An updated checklist of tri-trophic associations of aphidophagous arthropods in West Bengal, India. Arthropods, 2026.
Singh R, Shukla A. A catalogue of tri-trophic associations of arthropod predators of aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) in different districts of Himachal Pradesh, India. J Fauna Biodivers, 2026.
Singh R, Verma AK, Singh BB, Singh G. Spider fauna of India. Prayagraj (India): Asian Biological Research Foundation; Pune (India): Nature Light Publications, 2023, 567p.
Bharpoda TM, Koshiya DJ, Korat DM. Seasonal occurrence of insect-pests on aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn) and their natural enemies. Karnataka J Agric Sci. 2009;22(2):314-318.
Nagrare VS, Naikwadi B, Fand BB, Naik VCB, Tenguri P, Gokte-Narkhedkar N, et al. Seasonal population trend and relative occurrence of pests and their natural enemies among cotton species and cultivars in India. J Cotton Res. 2025;8:12. doi:10.1186/s42397-025-00214-4
Sebastian PA, Sudhikumar AV. Feeding potential of spiders (Order: Araneae) on Aphis craccivora Koch occurring on cotton. Entomon. 2002;28(2):153-156.
Dhulia FK, Yadav DN. Occurrence of some predatory spiders on hybrid cotton in Anand (Gujarat). J Biol Control. 1991;5(1):48-49.
Agarwala BK, Ghosh AK. Prey records of aphidophagous Coccinellidae in India: a review and bibliography. Trop Pest Manag. 1988;34:1-14. doi:10.1080/09670878809371196
Kataria R, Kumar D. Population dynamics of Aphis craccivora (Koch) and its natural enemies on bean crop in relation to weather parameters in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Legume Res. 2016;40(3):571-579. doi:10.18805/lr.v0iOF.10282
Chakraborty D. Biodiversity, life-history and biotic potential of predatory coccinellids of Anand region of Gujarat. Anand (India): Anand Agricultural University, 2012, 204p.
Patel AG, Vyas HN. Studies on predatory capacity of lady bird beetle, Menochilus sexmaculatus Fabricius against Aphis craccivora Koch under laboratory condition. Pesticides. 1984;18(11):8-9.
Parsana GJ, Kapadia MN, Butani PG. Association of groundnut aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch with coccinellid predators and their relation to abiotic factors. J Aphidol. 1997;11:199-200.
Khajuria S, Rai AK, Lata K, Jadav JK. Prevalence of major insect pests and predators of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) in middle Gujarat. J Krishi Vigyan. 2015;3(2):73-77. doi:10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00016.1
Patel RA. Feeding potentiality of Menochilus sexmaculatus Fab. on different aphid species. Internat J Rec Innov Trends Comput Commun. 2015;3(7):4426-4430.
Ashwini M, Shukla A. Biology of zigzag ladybird beetle, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) on cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora (Koch) (Aphididae: Hemiptera). Pharma Innov J. 2022;SP-11(8):813-818.
Aniyaliya MD, Thumar RK, Sisodiya DB, Trivedi NP. Feeding preference of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fab.) on different species of aphids. Pharma Innov J. 2022;SP-11(9):89-91.
Singh NA, Dabhi MR, Rojasara YM, Varma CB. Feeding potential of ladybird beetle, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) on different species of aphids. Internat J Adv Biochem Res. 2024;8(1):512-514. doi:10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i1g.429
Butani PG, Kapadia MN. Eco-relationship of coccinellid predators with aphids on seed spices crops. In: Seventh national symposium on aphidology, 2000 Mar 11-13, 41.
Vadher PU, Acharya MF, Davaria PJ. Population dynamics of aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover and its natural enemies on cumin, Cuminum cyminum Linn. in relation to abiotic factors. Pharma Innov J. 2023;SP-12(12):1779-1782.
Butani PG, Kapadia MN. Population build-up of Aphis gossypii Glover and its predators in cotton field of southern west Saurashtra. In: Seventh national symposium on aphidology, 2000 Mar 11-13, 40.
Kanjiya RR, Shah KD, Talaviya JR, Patil VM, Chudasama KA. Population dynamics of fennel aphid, Hyadaphis coriandri Das and occurrence of coccinellid predators on aphid in fennel. J Ent Zool Stud. 2018;6(6):1150-1152.
Khunt SR, Shah KD, Kotak JN, Talaviya JR, Pansara ZH. Toxicity of different insecticides against aphid, Hyadaphis coriandri Das and coccinellid, Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fab.) in fennel. Front Crop Improv. 2022;10:654-659.
Chaudhari P, Dabhi MR, Parmar RG, Parmar DJ. Life table of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Peterson) on mustard aphid [Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach)]. Front Crop Improv. 2022;10:303-306.
Patel DP. Bionomics and predatory potential of Menochilus sexmaculatus Fab. and Chrysoperla carnea St. reared on maize aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch) along with their comparative susceptibility to some neem based pesticides. Sardar Krushinagar (India): GAU, 1998.
Tank BD, Korat DM, Dabhi MR. Seasonal abundance of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fab.) in middle Gujarat condition. Karnataka J Agric Sci. 2008;21(3):453-455.
Kumbhani MB, Shinde CU. Population dynamics of niger aphid, Uroleucon compositae (Theobald) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Pharma Innov J. 2022;SP-11(8):1964-1967.
Patel RC, Yadav DN, Patel JR. Natural control of groundnut aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch in central Gujarat. Curr Sci. 1976;45(1):34-35.
Patel KB, Patel MB, Patel KM. Succession of important insect pests of okra under south Gujarat condition. An Internat e-J. 2012;1(3):328-333.
Prajapati BG, Vora PD, Prajapati VB, Solanki CB. Population dynamics of aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover infesting isabgul under north Gujarat agro-climatic conditions. J Pharm Phytochem. 2020;9(5):1277-1282.
Zalavadia AG, Kapadia MN. Comparative predation capacity of Coccinella septempunctata L. on three prey aphids. In: Seventh national symposium on aphidology, 2000 Mar 11-13, 49.
Patel RM, Chaudhari SJ, Rabari PH, Patel BC, Dodia DA. Incidence of aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalten.) in mustard and their fluctuation with biotic and abiotic factors. J Ent Zool Stud. 2019;7(5):946-950.
Kulkarni AV, Patel IS. Seasonal abundance of mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) and associated bioagents in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) crop. Indian J Agric Sci. 2001;71(10):681-682.
Chakraborty D, Korat DM. Biology, morphometry and feeding potential of Coccinella transversalis Fabricius. Bioscan. 2014;9(3):1101-1105.
Jadhav DS, Shukla A. Feeding potential of Coccinella transversalis (Fabricius) on aphids. Indian J Ent. 2015;77(2):197-198. doi:10.5958/0974-8172.2015.00039.5
Sheela N, Shinde CU. Biology of spotted ladybird beetle, Harmonia octomaculata (Fabricius) (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) on lucerne aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Aphididae: Hemiptera) under laboratory conditions. J Ent Zool Stud. 2019;7(5):693-698.
Butani PG, Bharodia RK. Relationship of groundnut aphid population with its natural predators, ladybird beetles. Gujarat Agric Univ Res J. 1984;9:72-74.
Patel AH, Shinde CU, Gurjar TS. Predatory potential of ladybird beetle, Propylea sp. (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) on lucerne aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Aphididae: Hemiptera) under laboratory conditions. J Ent Zool Stud. 2018;6(5):138-140.
Justesen MJ, Seehausen ML, Havill NP, Kenis M, Gaimari SD, Matchutadze I, et al. Evaluation of Leucopis hennigrata (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae) as a classical biological control agent of Adelges nordmannianae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in northern Europe. Biol Control. 2023;13:105264. doi:10.1016/j.biocontrol.2023.105264
Butani PG, Kapadia MN. Record of Leucopis auraria marcida Tanasijt (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae) as a predator of cotton aphid in Gujarat. In: Seventh national symposium on aphidology; 2000 Mar 11-13, 42.
Patel HK, Patel JR, Patel SN. Records of predators and their parasites from Gujarat. Ent Newslett. 1975;5(8-9):40.
Chouhan KS, Patel BH, Korat DM, Chakraborty D. Predatory potential of syrphid fly, Ischiodon scutellaris (Fab.) on four different species of aphids in laboratory conditions. Insect Environ. 2011;17(3):107-108.
Chouhan KS, Patel BH, Korat DM, Chakraborty D. Activity of aphids and syrphid fly in three field crops in Gujarat. Insect Environ. 2011;17(3):108-110.
Patel JB, Patel HK. The bionomics of the syrphid fly Xanthogramma scutellare Fab. (Syrphidae: Diptera). Madras Agric J. 1969;56:516-522.
Devetak D, Klokočovnik V. The feeding biology of adult lacewings (Neuroptera): a review. Trends Entomol. 2016;12:29-42.
Nair IJ, Sharma S, Kaur R. Efficacy of the green lace wing, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Peterson) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), against sucking pests of tomato: an appraisal under protected conditions. Egypt J Biol Pest Control. 2020;30:74. doi:10.1186/s41938-020-00277-2
Chakraborty D, Korat DM. Feeding efficiency of green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) on different species of aphids. Karnataka J Agric Sci. 2010;2(5):793-794.
Patel SM, Radadia GG, Pandya HV, Patel SD, Dave PP. Comparative biology and predatory potential of green lace wing on different aphid species. Internat J Plant Protect. 2015;8(1):13-20. doi:10.15740/HAS/IJPP/8.1/13-20
Chaudhari P, Dabhi MR, Patel NB, Raghunandan BL. Predatory efficiency of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Peterson) on different hosts. Front Crop Improv. 2022;10:307-309.
Patel RK, Chawda SK, Patel HV, Patel AT, Rathod JH, Pastagia JJ. Survey of major insect pests, natural enemies and diseases of brinjal in tribal belt of Surat district in Gujarat, India. Internat J Environ Climate Change. 2025;15(2):87-101. doi:10.9734/ijecc/2025/v15i24714.
