01 Oca 2026 Perşembe
A catalogue of tri-trophic associations of aphidophagous ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract : Tri-trophic relationships among host plants, aphids, and their natural enemies are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and form the foundation of biological pest management. The present study provides a comprehensive checklist of aphidophagous ladybirds, their aphid prey, and associated host plants in Uttar Pradesh, India. Ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) are among the most important natural enemies of agricultural pests, with both larvae and adults preying on aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, whiteflies, and mites. By regulating these pests, they help protect major crops such as cereals, vegetables, fruits, and oilseeds, thereby minimizing dependence on chemical pesticides and supporting sustainable agriculture. In Uttar Pradesh, 46 ladybird species were recorded feeding on 39 aphid species infesting 98 host plants, together forming 823 associations across 32 districts. Coccinella septempunctata emerged as the most versatile predator, attacking 30 aphid species on 53 host plants in 31 districts, followed by Cheilomenes sexmaculata on 29 aphid species and 60 host plants in 27 districts. Other notable predators included Hippodamia variegata, Coccinella transversalis, and Anegleis cardoni, while several species showed narrower prey ranges, feeding on 1–13 aphid species. Among aphids, Aphis craccivora supported the highest predator diversity (33 species) across 20 host plants, followed by Aphis gossypii (32 predators on 34 host plants), Myzus persicae (27 predators on 16 host plants), and both Brevicoryne brassicae and Lipaphis erysimi (26 predators each on seven host plants). Rhopalosiphum maidis, though restricted to five host plants, still attracted 23 predators, whereas other aphids supported fewer than 20. Collectively, these aphid species infest a wide range of crops, including pulses, vegetables, oilseeds, cereals, citrus, and other fruits. The diversity and extent of these interactions emphasize the ecological and biocontrol significance of coccinellids in Indian agroecosystems.