01 Oca 2026 Perşembe
An updated checklist of tri-trophic associations of aphidophagous ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in different districts of Uttarakhand, India
Abstract : Tritrophic interactions among plants, aphids, and natural enemies underpin ecological stability and biological control in agriculture. Aphids damage crops through sap feeding and virus transmission, while predators such as coccinellids regulate their populations. Documenting these associations is vital for understanding biodiversity, food-web dynamics, and selecting effective agents for integrated pest management. The present study compiles a checklist of tri-trophic associations involving aphidophagous ladybird beetles, their aphid preys, and host plants in Uttarakhand, a northwest state of India. A total of 41 coccinellid species (including genus-level records) were recorded preying on 67 aphid species infesting 74 host plants, forming 344 predator–prey–plant linkages across all districts. The highest number of associations was documented in Uttar Kashi, followed by Udham Singh Nagar, Tehri Garhwal, Dehradun, and Bageshwar, with comparatively fewer records from other districts. Coccinella septempunctata was identified as the most polyphagous predator, attacking 36 aphid species on 35 host plants across 10 districts, followed by Oenopia sauzeti, Adalia tetraspilota, Hippodamia variegata, Propylea luteopustulata, Harmonia eucharis, and Cheilomenes sexmaculata. On the prey side, Aphis gossypii sustained the maximum predator diversity (20 species) on several vegetable crops, while Lipaphis erysimi supported 18 predator species on brassicas. Other economically important aphids, including Eriosoma lanigerum, Aphis craccivora, and Brevicoryne brassicae, were also exploited by multiple coccinellid predators. These findings emphasize the ecological significance and applied potential of coccinellids in aphid regulation, reinforcing their role in sustainable and conservation-based pest management strategies.