The way to maturity: taxonomic study on immatures of Southern Brazilian Coccinellini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) species important in biological control

ABSTRACT Among the predatory ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera), members of the Coccinellini, predators of aphids and psyllids, stand out. Although the beneficial status of these beetles has been acknowledged by biological control researchers, there are no keys or detailed studies on the immature stages of South American Coccinellidae, especially Coccinellini. We provide descriptions and illustrations of the immatures and adults of major predatory Coccinellini species in southern Brazil along with an identification key for fourth instar larvae and pupae. The following species are included: Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus, 1763), Eriopis connexa (Germar, 1824), Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773), Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, 1842 and Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant, 1866). The morphological study, which included the use of scanning electron microscopy, revealed new characters such as the type of tarsal claws, spiracles, chalazae, parascoli and strumae. The identification key provided here may be useful in biological control programs.

The way to maturity: taxonomic study on immatures of Southern Brazilian Coccinellini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) species important in biological control

Among the predatory ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera), members of the Coccinellini, predators of aphids and psyllids, stand out. Although the beneficial status of these beetles has been acknowledged by biological control researchers, there are no keys or detailed studies on the immature stages of South American Coccinellidae, especially Coccinellini. We provide descriptions and illustrations of the immatures and adults of major predatory Coccinellini species in southern Brazil along with an identification key for fourth instar larvae and pupae. The following species are included: Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus, 1763), Eriopis connexa (Germar, 1824), Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773), Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, 1842 and Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant, 1866). The morphological study, which included the use of scanning electron microscopy, revealed new characters such as the type of tarsal claws, spiracles, chalazae, parascoli and strumae. The identification key provided here may be useful in biological control programs.(AU)

The way to maturity: taxonomic study on immatures of Southern Brazilian Coccinellini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) species important in biological control

Among the predatory ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera), members of the Coccinellini, predators of aphids and psyllids, stand out. Although the beneficial status of these beetles has been acknowledged by biological control researchers, there are no keys or detailed studies on the immature stages of South American Coccinellidae, especially Coccinellini. We provide descriptions and illustrations of the immatures and adults of major predatory Coccinellini species in southern Brazil along with an identification key for fourth instar larvae and pupae. The following species are included: Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus, 1763), Eriopis connexa (Germar, 1824), Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773), Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, 1842 and Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant, 1866). The morphological study, which included the use of scanning electron microscopy, revealed new characters such as the type of tarsal claws, spiracles, chalazae, parascoli and strumae. The identification key provided here may be useful in biological control programs.(AU)

New species and first record of Coeliaria Mulsant, 1850 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from French Guiana

The genus Coeliaria Mulsant, 1850 of the tribe Chnoodini Mulsant, 1850 is recorded for French Guiana for the first time. One new species, Coeliaria monnei Churata & Almeida sp. nov. (holotype male deposited in MNHN: Montagne des Chevaux 04°4456N, 52°2628W, 75 m, 26.IX.2015, SEAG col.) is described and illustrated. The key published anteriorly is modified to include this new species. Currently, the genus is recorded for Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and French Guiana.

New species and first record of Coeliaria Mulsant, 1850 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from French Guiana

The genus Coeliaria Mulsant, 1850 of the tribe Chnoodini Mulsant, 1850 is recorded for French Guiana for the first time. One new species, Coeliaria monnei Churata & Almeida sp. nov. (holotype male deposited in MNHN: Montagne des Chevaux 04°4456N, 52°2628W, 75 m, 26.IX.2015, SEAG col.) is described and illustrated. The key published anteriorly is modified to include this new species. Currently, the genus is recorded for Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and French Guiana.(AU)

Review of Coeliaria (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Chnoodini)

Coeliaria Mulsant, 1850 is revised based on the external morphology and genitalia of the adults and is distinguished from the other Chnoodini by the following characters: dorsal surface pubescent; antenna 11-segmented; hypomera with rounded fovea; tibia flat and angulated; abdominal postcoxal line incomplete, recurved and with oblique line. A new species, Coeliaria castanea sp. nov., from Brazil, and two new combinations, are proposed: Coeliaria bernardinensis comb. nov. and C. luteicornis comb. nov., expanding the distribution of the genus to Bolivia and Paraguay.

Review of Coeliaria (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Chnoodini)

Coeliaria Mulsant, 1850 is revised based on the external morphology and genitalia of the adults and is distinguished from the other Chnoodini by the following characters: dorsal surface pubescent; antenna 11-segmented; hypomera with rounded fovea; tibia flat and angulated; abdominal postcoxal line incomplete, recurved and with oblique line. A new species, Coeliaria castanea sp. nov., from Brazil, and two new combinations, are proposed: Coeliaria bernardinensis comb. nov. and C. luteicornis comb. nov., expanding the distribution of the genus to Bolivia and Paraguay.(AU)