Knowra Coccinellidae Coccinellidae Coccinellidae is a family of beetles commonly called ladybirds or ladybugs. Many species prey on aphids and other small insects, while others feed on plants, fungi, or scale insects.
Coleoptera : Coleoptera is the insect order of beetles, distinguished by hardened forewings called elytra. Coccinellidae is one beetle family within this order.
Biological pest control : Biological pest control uses living organisms to suppress populations of agricultural or other pests. Predatory ladybirds are released or conserved to reduce crop-damaging insects.
Aphid biological control : Aphid biological control suppresses aphid populations using predators, parasitoids, or pathogens. Ladybirds are prominent predators used and studied in this control strategy.
Epilachninae : Epilachninae is a subfamily of ladybirds that includes many plant-feeding species. Its members contrast with the aphid-eating habit associated with many ladybirds.
Elytron : An elytron is a hardened forewing that protects a beetle’s folded hindwing and body. Ladybird elytra form the familiar colored, spotted coverings over their wings.
Hippodamia convergens : Hippodamia convergens, the convergent lady beetle, is a North American predator of aphids and other soft-bodied insects. This species has been collected and released for aphid control.
Invasive species : An invasive species is a non-native organism whose establishment and spread cause ecological or economic harm. Introduced ladybirds can compete with or prey upon native species.
Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata : Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, the hadda beetle, is a plant-feeding ladybird that damages crops including eggplant. This species shows that some members of Coccinellidae are herbivores, not beneficial predators.
Complete metamorphosis : Complete metamorphosis is insect development through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Ladybirds change body form between their predatory larvae and winged adults.
Adalia bipunctata : Adalia bipunctata, the two-spot ladybird, is a predatory beetle native to Europe and parts of Asia. It has been used in biological control and studied as a predator of aphids.
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