Mouthparts of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera): A comparative analysis
Authors
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Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur – 584104, Karnataka ,IN
D. NEETHU ROY -
Department of Entomology, Agricultural College, PJTSAU, Siricilla – 505301, Telangana ,INT. UMA MAHESWARI
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Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500030, Telangana ,INB. RAGHAVENDER
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18311/jbc/2024/36558Keywords:
Coccinellids, Gnatha, predatory and fungivory, phytophagousAbstract
This study delves into the mouthpart morphology of ladybird beetles belonging to the Coccinellidae family, Coleoptera, with a focus on three representative species: Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (phytophagous), Harmonia octomaculata (predatory) and Illeis cincta (mycophagous). The research reveals distinct variations in mouthpart structures among these species, illuminating the connection between mouthpart morphology and host preferences. Predatory beetles, exemplified by Harmonia octomaculata, showcase specialized features such as bifid mandibular apices and larger mandibles (0.80 mm in length, 0.34 mm in width). In contrast, phytophagous ladybird beetles like Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata exhibit multidentate mandibles with smaller dimensions. Additionally, the outer galea (0.30 mm) and inner lacinia (0.43 mm) of maxillae are significantly more substantial in phytophagous beetles compared to their predatory and mycophagous counterparts. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between mouthpart morphology and feeding habits in ladybird beetles, shedding light on their ecological roles, evolutionary adaptations and potential implications for pest management and entomological research.
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Copyright (c) 2024 D. NEETHU ROY NEETHU ROY, T. UMA MAHESWARI, B. RAGHAVENDER (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Accepted 2024-03-25
Published 2024-04-11
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