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. The genus Scymnodes is reviewed both taxonomically and biologically, and its nineteen constituent species placed into two subgenera. S.(Dolinus) Weise is made a subjective synonym of S. (Scymnodes) Blackburn, S.(Apolinus) is proposed as a new name for Platyomus Mulsant (nee Schoenherr) and Rhynchortalia wallacei Crotch is transferred to S. (Scymnodes) as a new combination. S.(S.)bellus, sp.n. is described. Its larva is also described and comparisons made with those of S.(A.)lividigaster and the platynaspine Phymatosternus lewisi (Crotch). Comments are made on the habits of the S.(S.)bellus larva, which was observed to feed on ants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

. Details of wax and wax-producing structures belonging to twenty species of coccinellid larvae, including members of the Scymnini, Ortaliini, Hyperaspini, Coccidulini, Noviini, Cryptognathini, Azyini and Telsimiini are described and/or illustrated with photographs taken by means of the scanning electron microscope. Published records of wax-production by larvae of Telsimiini and Chilocorini are examined and evaluated. The means by which wax precursors reach the outer surface of the epicuticle is discussed. Some of the physical properties of coccinellid and other waxes, such as their adhesiveness and UV reflectance, are recorded and the ecological significance of these factors is discussed. The contribution made by the present study to current opinion concerning the classification and possible phylogeny of the Coccinellidae is discussed and assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

. Wing-reduction among the Coccinellidae occurs in less than 100 species. Wing-polymorphism in Rhyzobius lirura (F.), R.chrysorneloides (Herbst) and Subcoccinella 24-punctuta (L.) varies throughout the geographical ranges of the species. The incidence of wing-polymorphism in British Subcoccinella has varied markedly over the last 160 years. Wing-polymorphism in Subcoccinella is not sex-linked and is under complex control, influenced in some way by environmental or population stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]