01 Oca 2026 Perşembe
An updated checklist of tri-trophic associations of aphidophagous ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh territories of India
Abstract : In Jammu & Kashmir, extensive tri-trophic associations among coccinellid predators, aphids, and their host plants reveal a highly structured and diversified aphidophagous network within the temperate Himalayan agroecosystem. A total of 37 species of ladybird beetles were documented preying upon 70 aphid species infesting 96 host plants, forming 492 distinct predator-prey-plant triplets. Among the predators, Adalia tetraspilota and Hippodamia variegata emerged as the most polyphagous species, preying on 52 and 48 aphid species across 72 and 69 host plants, respectively. Other dominant generalists included Coccinella septempunctata, Calvia punctata, and Propylea luteopustulata, each contributing substantially to aphid suppression. In contrast, several species such as Adalia bipunctata, Coccinella tibetina, and Scymnus gracilis were associated with single aphid-host combinations, indicating narrow trophic specialisation. Among aphids, Aphis pomi, Aphis craccivora, Brevicoryne brassicae, and Myzus persicae exhibited the highest trophic connectivity, collectively sustaining over 130 tri-trophic linkages with multiple predator and host plant species. These generalist aphids dominated across diverse crop systems including fruit trees, vegetables, pulses, and cereals, reflecting their ecological and economic significance. Host plant analysis identified Malus domestica (apple) as the most influential species, supporting 28 predator and 12 aphid species (53 triplets), followed by Solanum melongena, Juglans regia, and Prunus persica, which together harboured the majority of recorded interactions. In contrast, Ladakh exhibits a more restricted tri-trophic system, with 7 coccinellid species preying on 8 aphid species across 13 host plants, forming 28 triplets. Here, Adalia tetraspilota, Hippodamia variegata and Coccinella septempunctata are the most polyphagous predators, while Aphis pomi and Myzus persicae plays a central role among aphids. Key host plants such as apple and mustard (Brassica juncea) support the majority of interactions, reflecting a relatively specialised but ecologically stable network adapted to the region’s cold-arid agroecosystem. Overall, the data highlight a complex and ecologically resilient tri-trophic network dominated by a few polyphagous predators and pest aphids associated with key crop hosts. These findings highlight the pivotal role of coccinellid beetles in natural pest regulation and provide a foundation for region-specific biological control and integrated pest management strategies aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.