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Understanding the association pattern and foraging behaviour of flower visitors is crucial to determine their role in the interaction with plants. To analyse the insect flower visitor association as well as their foraging profile on Aegialitis rotundifolia Roxb.-a near threatened mangrove plant, present study has been conducted among four islands of Indian Sundarban for three consecutive years. Results using first three Hill numbers depicted that, the species richness and Shannon and Simpson diversity of flower visitors were higher among the islands situated far from the sea than the islands neighbouring to the sea. NMDS analysis showed moderately ordinate data structure for island-year-based flower visitor association. Furthermore, network analysis for island-based visitor assemblage showed a significantly generalised network with no specialisation among islands. Five abundant visitors were further analysed for foraging profile, where the highest foraging rate was shown by Apis dorsata Fabricius, 1793 and the highest handling time was shown by Micraspis discolor (Fabricius, 1798). Moreover, all the visitors except M. discolor showed a significant variation in their foraging rate among different time frames. Furthermore, only M. discolor showed significant variation in their foraging behaviour when compared individually with each visitor in all the time frames. Present findings conclude that, flower visitors showed a generalised assemblage pattern among islands. Both honey bees provided excellent foraging on this plant and butterflies were good foragers too. Therefore, to device conservation strategies for this plant, protection of flower visitors must be of paramount concern.

Sidrap as a rice granary center in South Sulawesi, plays an active role in efforts to self-sufficiency in eastern Indonesian food in particular and NKRI in general. The efforts of integrated rice cultivation have been carried out as an effort to achieve national food independence. This paper discusses the population density of green leafhoppers, predatory insects, and other pests in the Inpari 36 rice crop as tungro (new released) varieties in endangered areas, the study was carried out in the experimental garden area of Tungro Disease Research, using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) 2 plot plots of plant varieties of 10 x 10 m2 with 4 replications. The most common adult green leafhopper (Nephotetic verescens) results in Inpari 36 varieties without bioprotector treatment. Natural predators that were fluctuated every week were dominant observations, namely: Agriocnemis spp, Micraspis sp, Conocephalus longipennis, Araenus inustus, Lycosa pseudoannulata, Oxyopes javanacus, and Tetraghenata maxilosa. While at 6-7 MST (weeks after planting) Ophionea nigrofasciata species appeared and in 7MST there were species of Anaxipa longipennis.

The purpose of this current survey was to determine the community structure of insects and spiders that inhabit rice paddy fields. Six major locations of rice-growing areas were selected in lower northen Thailand i.e. Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai and Uttaradit provinces. In each survey site, six sampling plots of paddy field were chosen and insects and spiders were caught using sweeping nets at 20 times/sampling plot during 2017-2019. All samples were identified based on external morphology. A total of 6,459 individuals of insects and spiders were collected, representing 102 species in 69 families and 11 orders. The rice paddies of Phitsanulok showed the highest diversity (73 species). In this regard, the species diversity (H’) for all insects and spiders of all rice-growing areas was considered relatively high (3.038). Meanwhile, the Evenness (J’) and Simpson index (1-D) in all rice paddies from the pooled data set out in this survey were 0.765 and 0.919, respectively. Phichit (H’ = 3.234) showed the highest species diversity index, whereas Phetchabun and Sukhothai (H’ = 2.895) had the lowest levels of diversity. Significant differences in species diversity indexes of six rice-growing sites were detected (P < 0.05) in all comparison. The insect order of Coleoptera had the highest recored species (21 species or 20.59%). It was found that the insect pests namely, Edwardsiama hergmanni (F. Cicadellidae), Dyscinetus morator (F. Scarabaeidae) and Nilaparvata lugens (F. Delphacidae) were the dominant species. Meanwhile, Micraspis discolor (F. Coccinellidae), Agriocnemis pygmaea (F. Coenagrionidae) Oxyopes javanus (F. Oxyopidae), Temelucha philippinensis (F. Ichneumonidae), Tropobracon schoenobii (F. Braconidae) and Goniozus nr. triangulifer (F. Bethylidae)] were mainly exhibited as natural enemies in this time. Additionally, the distribution of insects and spiders was aggregated for all rice-planting areas, as indicated by the values of variance to mean ratio (S2/) and the index of aggregation (Iδ).

Micraspis acicola was described more than 50 years ago to accommodate a phacidium-like fungus that caused a foliar disease of Picea mariana. After its publication, two more species were added, M. strobilina and M. tetraspora, all of them growing on Pinaceae in the Northern Hemisphere, but each species occupying a unique type of host tissue (needles, cones or wood). Micraspis is considered to be a member of class Leotiomycetes, but was originally placed in Phacidiaceae (Phacidiales), later transferred to Helotiaceae (Helotiales) and recently returned to Phacidiales but in a different family (Tympanidaceae). The genus remains poorly sampled, and hence poorly understood both taxonomically and ecologically. Here, we use morphology, cultures and sequences to provide insights into its systematic position in Leotiomycetes and its ecology. Our results show that the genus should not be included in Tympanidaceae or Phacidiaceae, and support the erection of a new family and order with a unique combination of morphological features supported by molecular data.

An annotated distributional checklist of the Coccinellidae of Bhutan is presented, enumerating 91 species, 17 of which are here recorded for the first time: Shirozuella tibetina Wang, Ge & Ren, 2012, Jauravia limbata (Motschulsky, 1858), Scymnus bourdilloni (Kapur, 1958), Illeis confusa Timberlake, 1943, Calvia albida Bielawski, 1972, Harmonia expalliata Sicard, 1913, H. octomaculata (Fabricius, 1781), H. sedecimnotata (Fabricius, 1801), Micraspis allardi (Mulsant, 1866), M. discolor (Fabricius, 1798), M. univittata (Hope, 1831), Oenopia adelgivora Poorani, 2002, O. billieti (Mulsant, 1853), O. smetanai Canepari, 1997, Afissula mysticoides (Sicard, 1913), Henosepilachna processa Li & Cook, 1961 and H. septima (Dieke, 1947). One species, Propylea japonica (Thunberg, 1781), has to be removed from the list. Nine species and two subspecies are hitherto only reported from the territory of Bhutan. The Bhutanese coccinellid fauna is still insufficiently known.

Coccinellids are effective predators and a key component of the predator guild in rice ecosystems. In order to enhance their efficacy, a study was undertaken to assess the seasonal movement of coccinellids into rice fields and the role of the surrounding flora on their colonization. The seasonal abundance of coccinellids and their prey was recorded on the rice crop and the surrounding flora at fortnightly intervals from 2012 to 2015. Coccinellid prey range was assessed using PAGE electrophoresis. The herbivorous insects associated with weeds were Aphis gossypii Glover, Aphis craccivora (Koch), Cicadulina bipunctata (Melichar), Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), Sitobion sp., Thaia oryzivora Ghauri and Zygina maculifrons Matsumura. Of the species of coccinellids recorded in rice fields, Harmonia octomaculata (Fabricius), Micraspis discolor (F.), Propylea dissecta (Mulsant), Coccinella transversalis Fabricius, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius), Scymnus nubilus Mulsant and Brumoides suturalis (Fabricius) were also recorded on weeds. The esterase profiles indicated that the leafhoppers and aphids on the weeds were the prey of the coccinellids before they colonized the rice fields. The coccinellids recorded on the weeds showed bands corresponding to the insects present on the weeds. Beetles collected from rice fields had different bands, some of which corresponded to the green leafhopper (GLH) Nephotettix virescens Distant, the brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens Stal and white backed planthopper (WBPH) Sogatella furcifera Hovarth infesting rice. In addition, some bands corresponded to hoppers and aphids that were present on the surrounding flora. The results indicate the importance of surrounding flora in the conservation and colonization of rice fields by coccinellids.

Present study on diversity of coccinellid beetles comprises a significant group of predatory beetles which are being utilized in biological control of insect pests from more than one hundred years ago throughout the world. An extensive survey and collection of coccinellid beetles was carried out by following the sweep net and handpicking method during a period of two years, June 2016 to May2018, in Uttarakhand, India. Collection of beetles was also made at different altitudes. All the collected beetles have been identified up to species level. In total, fifteen species of coccinellid beetles were identified as Aiolocaria hexaspilota (Hope), Anegleis cardoni (Weise), Brumoides suturalis (Fabricius), Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus, C. transversalis Fabricius, Harmonia dimidiata (Fabricius), Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Fabricius), Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), Illeis confusa Timberlake, Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fabricius), Micraspis allardi (Mulsant), Micraspis univittata (Hope), Oenopia sexareata (Mulsant), Platynaspidius saundersi (Crotch) and Propylea dissecta (Mulsant). H. vigintioctopunctata is phytophagous while I. confusa is mycophagous; all other species are predatory feeding on mealy bugs and aphids occurring on forest tree species. Out of all identified species, four species A. hexaspilota , I. confusa , O. sexareata and P. saundersi have been recorded for the first time from Uttarakhand.

Ladybugs (family: Coccinellidae) are well known for their role as biological control agents in ecosystems, however some types can be serious pests and cause damage to many important crops. The first ever DNA Barcode of eight ladybug species (Coccinellidae) namely Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata , Henosepilachna kaszabi , Micraspis discolor , Heteroneda reticulata , Chilocorus nigritus , Cheilomenes sexmaculata , Coelophora inaequalis and Coccinella transversalis from Malaysia successfully presented in this study. It has been collected in the field, known and act as biological control agents for serious pests that cause damage to several important crops. From this study, the interactions are refers to the ladybugs species as predator and its host plant family namely solanaceae, moraceae, malvaceae, convolvulaceae and rutaceae. The relationships among ladybugs species has been estimated and visualized using phylogenetic analyses of Neighbor Joining (NJ), Maximum Parsimony (MP), and Bayesian Inference (BI) with Cassidinae sp. as an outgroup. All resulted trees generated produced more or less similar with Coccinellinae (five genera) were found monophyletic (lowly supported, 0.57 posterior probability (pp)), while Chilochorinae were paraphyletic. However Scymninae (2 genera, 0.87 pp) and Epilachninae (1 genus, 1.00 pp) were also monophyletic. The information on the ladybugs species and its host plants is very important and crucial in managing strategy on the pest infestation, which requires details for food and host preferences in their tritrophic interaction.

Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an exotic ladybird, first recorded in South Africa in 2004, where it was introduced factitiously. In this study the seasonal occurrence of H. axiridis and other coccinellids were monitored in four vineyards and the adjacent windbreaks over three growing seasons in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Harmonia axyridis made up the highest mean number of coccinellids collected per site over the collecting period, followed by Hippodamia variegata, Cheilomenes lunata, Exochomus flavipes and Micraspis sp. No indigenous parasitoids were observed attacking H. axyridis. The numbers of H. axyridis on the vines were negatively correlated with temperature but positively with rainfall. In view of the migration of H. axyridis from the vines in December, they appear not to pose any risk of contaminating grapes during harvest and tainting wine as most wine grapes are harvested from January onwards.

Micraspis unicus Poorani, sp. nov. (Fig. 1) Diagnosis: This species can be separated from its Indian congeners by its medium-large size, uniform yellow-orange body, small scutellum, epipleuron at its widest almost half as wide as metaventrite, and the distinctive male genitalia. It is similar to two other Oriental species, Micraspis quichauensis (Ho��ng, 1982) (from China and Vietnam) and M. yunnanensis Jing (1985) (from China) in having broadly explanate elytral margins, but the latter two have a much more strongly convex and almost hemispherical body outline, a pronotum with a posterior black border, and the elytra have reddish discal markings with the suture and lateral margins bordered black, and the male genitalia differ as follows. In M. yunnanensis, the penis guide of the tegmen is progressively narrowed along its entire length in ventral view and in lateral view, it is distinctly curved and much narrower in the posterior half. In M. quichauensis too, the penis guide of the tegmen is posteriorly distinctly narrowed and curved in lateral view and the inner process of penis capsule is shorter than outer process (in M. unicus sp. n., penis guide is cylindrical and subparallel for nearly four-fifths of its length and in lateral view, it is not apically curved; the penis has a more elongate capsule and a narrower, pointed apex). The spermatheca of female genitalia in M. unicus has a robust cornu and an elongate, tubular ramus, but in M. quichauensis, the cornu of spermatheca is regularly curved with a much shorter ramus. Description: Holotype, male: TL: 3.33 mm; TW: 3.05 mm; TL/TW: 1.10; PL/PW: 0.47; EL/EW: 0.93. Body outline (Fig. 1b) broad oval to almost round, nearly as long as wide, broadest around middle of elytra and apically narrowed; dorsum convex and glabrous except head with white hairs around clypeal margin. Head creamy white-yellow, rest of dorsum and ventral side yellowish, pronotum with an indistinct pale yellowish-brown median marking, pronotum and elytra with lateral margins transparent. Head 0.46 �� as wide as pronotum, with deep, prominent antennal canthus (Fig. 1c), interocular distance 2.11 �� as wide as eye, punctures very fine, shallow and widely separated, interspaces between punctures with strong, reticulate microsculpture. Pronotum with fine punctures, very shallowly impressed, denser and closer around posterior margin, irregular and widely separated on disc, more confused and somewhat obsolete on lateral sides, interspaces between punctures with reticulate microsculpture weaker than that on head. Elytra with punctures fine, shallow, but slightly larger, more deeply impressed and denser than those on pronotum, separated by 2���3 diameters, interspaces between punctures smooth, shiny. Prosternal intercoxal process (Fig. 1f) tubular, with a pair of fine carinae not reaching beyond middle of process. Mesoventrite anteriorly very shallowly emarginate. Epipleuron (Fig. 1d) unusually wide, nearly half as wide as metaventrite at widest. Intercoxal process of abdomen anteriorly triangularly produced. Abdominal postcoxal line (Fig. 1e) short, incomplete laterally, not reaching posterior margin of ventrite 1. Posterior margin of ventrite 5 truncate, ventrite 6 very shallowly emarginate. Tarsal claws appendiculate. Male genitalia (Figs 1g ���j) with penis guide of tegmen in ventral view (Fig. 1h) elongate-cylindrical and subparallel up to four-fifths of its length, thereafter narrowed rather abruptly to a short tubular projection with a truncate apex; parameres (Fig. 1h) broad, apically with a hook-like projection, lateral and inner apical margins densely pubescent; penis guide in lateral view (Fig. 1g) gradually narrowed from anterior, apically inwardly produced acutely with parameres medially distinctly narrowed. Penis (Figs 1i, j) with well-developed capsule with inner and outer processes subequal, penis apex (Fig. 1j) produced into an acutely pointed projection (Fig. 1i). Female: Externally similar to male (Fig. 1a). Posterior margin of ventrite 5 medially slightly produced, that of ventrite 6 arcuate. Spermatheca (Fig. 1k) with a short nodulus and much more elongate, tubular ramus, cornu robust, crescent shaped; sperm duct short; infundibulum prominent, bottle shaped; coxites club-handle like. Type material: Holotype, male: INDIA: Arunachal Pradesh: Mayodia, 2463 mts, 28 o 16���47.4���N 0 95 o 54���44.9���E, ii. ix.2014, Sweep net, Ramani, S.; Paratype: one female with same data (NBAIR). Etymology: The specific epithet is a Latin adjective and refers to the unique / singular features of this species such as unusually broad epipleuron and the male genitalia, which stand out from other Indian and Oriental Micraspis spp. Taxonomic notes: This species is related to Micraspis quichauensis (Ho��ng, 1982) and Micraspis yunnanensis Jing, 1985 in having outwardly flat elytra. Specimens of these two species could not be examined and the differential diagnosis given here is based on the descriptions and illustrations provided by Ho��ng (1982), Yu (2010), and Ren et al. (2009). The male genitalia of M. unicus sp. n. are closer to those of M. quichauensis and to a lesser degree, to M. yunnanensis, but the shape of the penis guide and penis apex illustrated by Ho��ng (1982) and Ren et al. (2009) for the latter two species are different. The spermatheca of the female genitalia in M. quichauensis is also different from that of M. unicus in having a regularly curved, less robust cornu and a shorter ramus. Micraspis quichauensis was originally described as Mononeda quichauensis Ho��ng, 1982 from Quichau, Vietnam, who subsequently also noted that it was close to Micraspis and established a new subgenus Mononeda (Paramicraspis) Ho��ng, 1983 to place this species (Ho��ng 1983). Mononeda Crotch 1874, a South American genus, has little in common with this species except for its explanate elytral margins and differs in having a much wider scutellum. Yu (2010) transferred Mononeda quichauensis to Micraspis and provided the habitus illustrations of both M. yunnanensis and M. quichauensis. Ren et al. (2009) illustrated the habitus and male genitalia of M. yunnanensis., Published as part of Poorani, J., 2019, A new species of Micraspis Chevrolat (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India, pp. 189-192 in Zootaxa 4559 (1) on page 190, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4559.1.11, http://zenodo.org/record/2585183, {"references":["Hoang, D. N. (1982) A new genus and some new species of subfamily Coccinellinae (Coccinellidae, Coleoptera) from Vietnam. Tap Chi Sinh Vat Hoc, 4 (3), 10 - 15.","Jing, X. L. (1985) One new species and one new record of Micraspis from China (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Acta Zootaxonomica Sinica, 10 (4), 424 - 426.","Yu, G. (2010) Chinese Lady Beetles (The Subfamily Coccinellinae). China Scientific Press, 180 pp. [In Chinese]","Ren, S. X., Wang, X. M., Pang, H., Peng, Z. Q. & Zeng, T. (2009) Colored pictorial handbook of ladybird beetles in China. Science Press, Beijing, 336 pp. [In Chinese]","Hoang, D. N. (1983) Coccinellidae of Vietnam. Part 2. Nha zuat ban khoa hoc va ky thuat, Hanoi. 159 pp.","Crotch, G. R. (1874) A revision of the Coleopterous Family Coccinellidae. E. W. Janson, London. xv + 311 pp."]}

Feeding propensity and cannibalism of Micraspis discolor (Fab.) to different prey species (bean aphids and brown plant hopper ) was studied in the laboratory of the Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during January, 2007 to April, 2007. It was found that the highest pre-oviposition period was to 5.6±0.54 days when BPH were used and this period was lowest, 4.6±0.54 days using bean aphid. The oviposition period was maximum 40.20±1.78 days using bean aphid and minimum 29.00± 2.00 days were found using BPH. Maximum number of eggs 216.00±16.58 was laid when fed on bean aphid. The hatching percent was highest 88.71% using bean aphid and hatching percent was lowest 85.34% when fed on BPH. Incubation period varied from 2.40±0.54 to 3.80±0.44 days using different foods. However, the larvae passed through four larval instars and highest larval period was 10.00 ± 0.70 when BPH were used as food and lowest was 8.40 days feeding on bean aphid. Pupal period was 3.00±0.00 & 3.80±0.44 days when bean aphid & BPH were supplied as food. The average longevity of female was 38.60±3.78 and 31.40±2.96 days and that of male was 32.00±2.91 & 26.00±0.91 days when feeding on bean aphid and BPH respectively. It was significant at 1% level. The sex ratio of male and female was found (0.78:1.00) using different foods and these were not significant at 1% level. By this experiment, It was observed that feeding propensity of Micraspis discolor to different prey species during the total life cycle was as follows: bean aphid > BPH. It was also found that M. discolor had cannibalistic behavior and this was significant at 1% level.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 9(1): 81-85 2016

An extensive survey of aphid predatory Coccinellid beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was conducted in Jahangirnagar University campus, Savar during October 2014 to March 2016. Total nine ladybird beetles viz, Adalia bipunctata , Coccinella septempunctata , Coccinella transversalis , Cycloneda munda , Harmonia axyridis , Hippodamia convergens , Micraspis discolor , Scymnus nebulosus , Sticholotis sp . were identified as predators of aphid. Among them, Micraspis discolor was most abundant predator. Biology and bio-control potential of M. discolor was studied in laboratory condition on bean infesting aphid ( Aphis fabae ). The maximum predation was 102±1.83 observed in 4 th instar larvae of M. discolor . Along with biological study, phylogenetic relationship of ladybird beetles was constructed based on mitochondrial COI gene. Out of nine identified coccinellids, five species showed more conserve region than the rest in alignment. The interspecific genetic distance ranges for nine beetles were very low (0.15-0.24). Higher interspecific genetic diversity recorded for H. axyridis . The phylogenetic tree was created and analyzed using both Neighbour Joining and Maximum likelihood methods to define the origin and evolutionary relationships of the species. Molecular analysis demonstrated that evolution of these species has been occurred from a common ancestor. Such study of ladybird beetles would be helpful in biological control program of aphid pest. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(3): 408-416

Micraspis allardi (Mulsant, 1866) (Fig. 7A–C) Material Examined. [SINDH], 16, 2♀, Hyderabad, 14. VI.1972, leg. Ahmed; 26, 2♀, Thatta, 14. VI.1972, leg. M.I. Khan; 16, 3♀, Karachi, 10. VI.1973, leg. M.I. Khan (NHMUK). Diagnosis. Head brownish black, clypeus and frons with many minute punctures; mandibles punctate; pronotum brownish yellow with two spots on posterolateral margin, elytra yellow with four large, black spots (Fig. 7A); body ventrally black. Length 4.5–5.0 mm; width 3.3–3.6 mm; body rounded, strongly convex. Head without spots or patches; eyes small with fine facets; ligula with anterior margin rounded, proximally; submentum anteriorly notched. Prosternal process with carinae reaching only middle of prosternum; scuto-scutellar suture thick, straight; elytra rounded; epipleuron with inner margin w-shaped, longitudinally bifurcated, broader medially. Postcoxal line reaching anterior margin of second sternite; last sternite covered with small setae. Genitalia. Penis thick, hollow and flattened, spoon-shaped terminally, opposite arm elongated, broader distally, adjacent arm short, expanded, triangular; median lobe straight, strongly narrowed, slightly shorter than parameres; parameres strongly convergent; trabes straight, elongated, narrower proximally, expanded apically with convex dorsal surface cap-like (Fig. 7B–C). Distribution in Sindh Province. Hyderabad, Thatta, and Karachi., Published as part of Ali, Muhammad, Raza, Ghulam, Ali, Shaukat, Anjum, Syed Istiaq & Hussain, Ishtiaq, 2018, The Tribe Coccinellini Weise (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Sindh, Pakistan, pp. 629-638 in The Coleopterists Bulletin 72 (3) on pages 634-635, DOI: 10.1649/0010-065X-72.3.629, http://zenodo.org/record/4836836

Research on natural enemies of Bemisia tabaci was conducted in the chili pepper fields in Sub-district of Pakem, District of Sleman, The Special Province of Yogyakarta during the dry season of May-October 2009. The aims of this research were to study the diversity and abundance of parasitoid and predator species associated with B. tabaci. Samplings of insect species were done using yellow pan trap, sweep net, direct observation of insects colonized young leaves, and collection of nymphs for B. tabaci. Measurement of insect diversity was calculated using Shannon’s index diversity and Evenness index. Nine species of insect predator were identified, i.e. Harmonia octomaculata (Fabricius), Menochilus sexmaculata (Fabricius), Scymnus sp., Micraspis inops Mulsant, Coccinella sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Paederus fuscipes Curtis (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), Orius sp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), Linyphiidae sp.1 (Araneae), and Syrphidae sp.1 (Diptera). Eretmocerus sp. (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) was the only parasitoid found in the nymphs B. tabaci collected and has the potential to control B. tabaci in the red pepper fields.

Two generalist predators of brown planthopper,Metioche vittaticollis and Anaxipha longipennis (Gryllidae) have not been much studied in Indonesia. This research was conducted to study and compare the predatory ability of M. vittaticollis, A. longipennis (Gryllidae) and three coleopterans, Paederus fuscipes (Staphylinidae), Ophionea sp. (Carabidae),and Micraspis sp. (Coccinellidae) against brown planthopper (fourth and fifth instars) under laboratory condition. In total, 20 nymphs of N. lugens were exposed for 2 hour to each predator for 5 consecutive days. Prey consumptions by the predatory crickets, M. vittaticollis and A. longipennis were greater than the other predators and followed by A. longipennis, Micraspis sp., P. fuscipes, and Ophionea sp. respectively. Consumption rates of M. vittaticolis and A. longipenis were also higher than other predators. Micraspis sp was more active on predation in the morning,while M. vittaticollis, A. longipennis, P. fuscipes, and Ophionea sp. were more active both in the morning and the night but not in the afternoon. However, all five species of predators were not so active in preying during the afternoon. In conclusion, a major effort should be extended to conserve these predatory crickets especially M. vittaticollis and A. longipennis.

Coccinellids are of great economic importance as these are used in biological control of soft bodied sucking pests. The present study undertaken at the Department of Agricultural Entomology, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar during 2016–18 explored some predaceous coccinellids from various crops. Fifteen species belonging to ten genera and three tribes under the subfamily Coccinellinae were identified. These incude Jauravia pallidula (Motschulsky), Cryptogonus bimaculatus Kapur, Cryptogonus quadriguttatus (Weise), Brumoides suturalis (F.), Coccinella septempunctata L., Coccinella transversalis F., Anisolemnia dilatata (F.), Harmonia octomaculata (F.), Harmonia dimidiata (F.), Micraspis discolor (F.), Micraspis yasumatsui Sasaji, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (F.), Propylea dissecta (Mulsant), Propylea japonica (Thunberg) and Illeis indica Timberlake.

Coccinellids are key predators that are conserved and augmented in agricultural ecosystems, to achieve biological control of pests. Actual quantification of field predation has not been attempted for many of the beneficial coccinellids. Numerous reports show coccinellids as opportunistic, feeding on a variety of food material in addition to their preferred prey. Micraspis discolor is the most abundant species of coccinellid in rice ecosystems and touted as a biocontrol option for brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stal), a key pest of rice. However, it has been reported as both entomophagous and phytophagous. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was used to separate esterases from whole-body homogenates of Micraspis and its prey viz., green leafhopper (GLH) Nephotettix virescens (Distant), BPH N. lugens, whitebacked planthopper (WBPH) Sogatella furcifera (Horvath), aphid Rhopalosiphum padi L., thrips, Haplothrips sp., and pollen. Field-collected beetles showed a range of bands, some corresponding with pollen and GLH, while others were different from prey offered, indicating a wider range of prey spectrum than envisaged. Feeding preference studies confirmed a preference for pollen and GLH in no-choice (H = 20.724; P = 0.001) and multiple-choice tests (H = 20.52; P

Micraspis vittipennis (Fauvel) Coelophora vittipennis Fauvel, 1903: 328. Micraspis vittipennis: Chazeau 1978: 68. To date, this species is only known from a single type specimen (female), with no precise locality (see Chazeau 1978). Fauvel (1903) underlined differences with M. lineola, but the lack of male specimen precludes identification of its relationships with M. vittipennis, M. frenata and the four other Micraspis recorded from Australia. We consider this species still as a valid endemic one. Material examined. NEW CALEDONIA: no precise locality (ONNC)., Published as part of Nattier, Romain, Jourdan, Herv��, Mille, Christian & Chazeau, Jean, 2015, An annotated checklist of the Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) from New Caledonia, pp. 301-331 in Zootaxa 4058 (3) on page 309, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4058.3.1, http://zenodo.org/record/236980, {"references":["Fauvel, A. (1903) Faune analytique des Coleopteres de la Nouvelle-Caledonie. Revue d'Entomologie, 22, 203 - 379.","Chazeau, J. (1978) Les especes du genre Coelophora en Nouvelle Caledonie et aux Nouvelles Hebrides (Coleopteres, Coccinellidae). Cahiers ORSTOM. Serie Biologie: Entomologie Agricole, 13, 59 - 69."]}

Micraspis frenata (Erichson) Coccinella frenata Erichson, 1842: 239. Verania frenata: Mulsant 1850: 362. Coccinella bicruciata Montrouzier, 1861: 304 (pars)���synonymized by Fauvel 1903: 328. Alesia frenata: Masters 1888: 90. Micraspis frenata: Pope 1988: 679. This species was misidentified as Coelophora bicruciata by Montrouzier (1861). According to Fauvel (1903), who examined the type series of Coelophora bicruciata, it was a mixture of Coelophora inaequalis and Micraspis frenata specimens. This species is common in Australasia (Australia, Tasmania and Papua New Guinea). Iablokoff- Khnzorian (1982) treated the species as a junior synonym of Micraspis lineata (Thunberg, 1781). This Micraspis is very common over New Caledonia, mostly from open areas on the west coast, but also the Central Range, Isle of Pines, and Belep Islands (Art Island). Its trophic preferences are wide, being mostly a hemipteran predator (aphids, cicadellids, psyllids), but it is able to eat pollen or extrafloral nectaries when prey are scarce (Hawkeswood & Turner 2002; Lundgren 2009). It has been widely recorded in close association with the invasive psyllid, Heteropsylla cubana, in New Caledonia (Gatimel 2005). This species has not yet been widely promoted for biocontrol, despite high potential in agroecosystems (Chenaux et al. 2011). Material examined. NEW CALEDONIA: Bond��, 6.vi. 1975 (J. Gutierrez rec.) (ONNC); Bourail, N��m��ara, 10.x. 1958 (Y. Shibata rec.) (ONNC); Bourail, bords de la N��ra, 23.vii. 1988 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Bourail, bords de la N��ra, 6.viii. 1992 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Canala, 20.vi. 1989 (J. Chazeau, L. Bonnet de Larbogne, E. Bouy�� rec.) (ONNC); Col de la Pirogue, 16.i. 1987 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Col d'Amieu, 23.vii. 1977 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Col d'Amieu, 11.iii. 1982 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Col de Cr��vecoeur, 22.ix. 1988 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Col de Koh, From La Foa to Canala 20.vi. 1989 (J. Chazeau, L. Bonnet de Larbogne, E. Bouy�� rec.) (ONNC); Col de Mu��o, 17.viii. 1992 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Col de Nassirah, versant Thio, 27.vi. 1989 (J. Chazeau, L. Bonnet de Larbogne, E. Bouy�� rec.) (ONNC); Col de T��mala, 16.iv. 1986 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Entre Moindou et Bourail, RT 1 pk 148, 6.viii. 1992 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Entre Port Laguerre et Tontouta, 22.xi. 1987 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Environs de Port-Laguerre, 29.i. 1978 (A. Delobel rec.) (ONNC); Environs de Houa��lou (6 km ouest), 23.ix. 1988 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Isle of Pines, Grottes d'Oumagne, 22.viii. 1988 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Kaala-Gomen, 22.ix. 1986 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); La Foa, 2.x. 1979 (B. Sall��e rec.) (ONNC); Negropo, iii. 1955 (ONNC); Ouaco, 22.vii. 1977 (J. Gutierrez rec.) (ONNC); Pindai, 9.ix. 1992 (E. & M. Schlinger rec.) (ONNC); Pindai, 13.ix. 1992 (D. Webb rec.) (ONNC); Pont de la Ouenghi, RT1, 1.xii. 1981 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Pont de la Rivi��re du Cap, RT1, 20.ix. 1988 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Port-Laguerre, ii-vi. 1977 (A. Delobel rec.) (ONNC); Port-Laguerre, Station Agricole, 28.i. 1977 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Port-Laguerre, Station Agricole, 3.iii. 1977 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Pouembout, 17.ix. 1975 (J. Gutierrez rec.) (ONNC); Pouembout sud, 17.viii. 1992 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Pouembout, Franco Plage, 19.iii. 1982 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Poya, 16.iv. 1986 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Poya, 16.iv. 1986 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Route de Fat��naou��, environs confluent Ouagatch, 19.x. 1988 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); RT 1, environs limite provinciale (7 km sud), 17.viii. 1992 (ONNC); Sarram��a, x. 1969 (P. Cochereau rec.) (ONNC); Timbia (Pa��ta), 25.xii. 1992 (J. Chazeau rec.) (ONNC); Tontouta, 20.v. 1979 (B. Sall��e rec.) (ONNC); Vall��e du Diahot, vii. 1955 (ONNC); Ile longue, Chesterfield Islands, xi. 2012 (E. Bourguet et H. Jourdan rec.) (ONNC); La Foa, Pocquereux, 21 �� 44 ���S / 165 �� 54 ���E / 28m, 20.iv. 2001 (J. Brinon rec.) (CXMNC); La Foa, Pocquereux, 21 �� 44 ���S / 165 �� 54 ���E / 28m, 05.vi. 2001 (J. Brinon rec.) (CXMNC); La Foa, Pocquereux, 21 �� 44 ���S / 165 �� 54 ���E / 28m, 07.viii. 2001 (J. Brinon rec.) (CXMNC); La Foa, Pocquereux, COL /ins/ 213 - 14, 10.2006 (J. Sudre rec.) (CXMNC); Thio, tribu de Koua, COL /ins/ 28 -14, 18.iii. 2013 (R-M. M'Boueri rec.) (CXMNC); Yat��, Prony, COL /ins/ 67 -14, 2006 (H. Jourdan rec.) (CXMNC); Bourail, Gouaro, 21.58113 ��S / 165.42045 ��E / 68m, ii. 2001 (S. Caz��res rec.) (CXMNC); Bourail, Gouaro, 21.58113 ��S / 165.42045 ��E / 68m, 26.iii. 2001 (S.Caz��res rec.) (CXMNC); Bourail, Gouaro chez M. Houarau, 04.x. 2004 (S.Caz��res rec.) (CXMNC); Lifou, 27.vii. 2002 (C. Mille rec.) (CXMNC); Boulouparis, Ouenghi, 21 �� 53 ' 51.61 "S / 166 ��06' 49.62 ������E / 7m, 10.ii. 2012 (C. Mille rec.) (CXMNC); Noum��a, Ouen Toro, 24.x. 1979 (J. Chazeau rec.) (MNHN); Noum��a, 1904 (R. Bavay rec.) (MNHN); Ouen Toro, 4.iv. 1995 (M. Boulard rec.) (MNHN); Noum��a, 1929 (Risbec rec.) (MNHN); Sanatorium du Col de la Pirogue, 10.i. 1951 (MNHN); Canala, 1869 (Delacour rec.) (MNHN)., Published as part of Nattier, Romain, Jourdan, Herv��, Mille, Christian & Chazeau, Jean, 2015, An annotated checklist of the Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) from New Caledonia, pp. 301-331 in Zootaxa 4058 (3) on page 308, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4058.3.1, http://zenodo.org/record/236980, {"references":["Erichson, W. F. (1842) Beitrag zur Insecten-Fauna von Vandiemensland, mit besonderer Berucksichtigung der geographischen Verbreitung der Insecten. Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, 8 (1), 239 - 240.","Mulsant, E. (1850) Species des coleopteres trimeres securipalpes. Annales des Sciences Physiques et Naturelles, d'Agriculture et d'Industrie, 2, XV - 1104.","Montrouzier, P. (1861) Essai sur la faune entomologique de la Nouvelle-Caledonie (Balade) et des Iles des Pins, Art, Lifu, etc. Coleopteres (Fin). Annales de la Societe entomologique de France, 1, 265 - 306.","Fauvel, A. (1903) Faune analytique des Coleopteres de la Nouvelle-Caledonie. Revue d'Entomologie, 22, 203 - 379.","Masters, G. (1888) Catalogue of the described Coleoptera of Australia. Part VII. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 2, 13 - 94.","Pope, R. D. (1988) A revision of the Australian Coccinellidae (Coleoptera). Part 1. Subfamily Coccinellinae. Invertebrate Systematics, 2, 633 - 735.","Iablokoff-Khnzorian, S. M. (1982) Les coccinelles, Coleopteres Coccinellidae. Tribu Coccinellini des regions Palearctiques et Orientale. Boubee, Paris, 568 pp.","Thunberg, C. P. (1781) Dissertatio Entomologica Novas Insectorum Species, Sistens, Cujus Partem Primam. Joh. Edman, Upsaliae, 28 pp.","Hawkeswood, T. J. & Turner, J. R. (2002) Observations on the adults of Micraspis frenata (Erichson, 1842) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) feeding on the pollen of native and non-native grasses (Poaceae) in eastern New South Wales, Australia. Journal of the Entomological Research Society, 4, 21 - 29.","Lundgren, J. G. (2009) Nutritional aspects of non-prey foods in the life histories of predaceous Coccinellidae. Biological Control, 51, 294 - 305.","Gatimel, B. (2005) Inventaire critique et perspectives des introductions d'especes realisees a des fins de lutte biologique en Nouvelle-Caledonie: applications aux cas de la mineuse des agrumes (Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton) et du psylle du fauxmimosa (Heteropsylla cubana Crawford). Master of Science (MSc), Ecology & Biodiversity Management, Universite Montpellier 2, 30 pp.","Chenaux, B., Costamagna, A. C., Bianchi, F. J. & Schellhorn, N. A. (2011) Functional response of two common Australian predators, Dicranolaius bellulus (Guerin? Meneville) (Coleoptera: Melyridae) and Micraspis frenata (Erichson) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), attacking Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Australian Journal of Entomology, 50, 453 - 459."]}

Application of predators to control whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), an insect vector of yellow diseases of chili in Tanggamus district on dry and rainy season. The yellow disease is one of the important diseases in chili which is transmitted by whitefly. Utilization of natural enemy such as predators is one of some methods in controlling whitefly. This study was conducted in Gisting, Tanggamus District, Lampung province from June 2009 to January 2010. The objective of this research was to determine effectiveness of controlling whitefly by its predators: Menochilus sp., Micraspis sp., and Paederus sp. The results showed that Menochilus, Micraspis, and Paederus could effectively decrease the population of whitefly. The three predators were more effective in rainy than in dry season.

The tea aphid Toxoptera aurantii Boyer (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) is a major pest of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis (L.)). Micraspis discolor (F.) and Menochilus sexmaculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are the most common predators of these pests in tea plantations of North East India. A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of the tea aphid Toxoptera aurantii, as prey for these two ladybird beetles. The life cycle of M. sexmaculatus was found to be shorter than that of M. discolor. Aphid consumption by M. sexmaculatus was significantly higher than that by M. discolor. Aphid consumption by larvae of M. discolor and M. sexmaculatus was noticed to be higher in later instars. Females of both ladybird species consumed a significantly greater number of aphids per day than males. As for biological parameters and the predatory potential of the two ladybird species, the study results proved that M. discolor and M. sexmaculatus are effective biocontrol agents of the tea aphid and can ...

Inter-specific relationships of size and walking speed were examined in five species of predaceous ladybird beetles of aphid prey from different habitats. Lengths of legs, weight and volume of body, and walking speed varied significantly among the five species of different sizes that were reared on their preferred prey food in uniform growth conditions. The species are Menochilus sexmaculata, Coccinella transversalis, Anisolemnia dilatata, Micraspis discolor and Scymnus sp. Lengths of legs and body sizes showed similar growth rates across the five species (isometry), but the giant ladybird species showed significantly higher positive allometry in body volume (allometric coefficient, α = 6.66) and significantly lower negative allometry in walking speed relative to body weight (α = 0.95) when compared to other species (α = 3.54). The unique response by the giant ladybird species in body form and speed may be attributed to its foraging habitat of perennial bamboo forests with large aggregations of non-winged aphid food which seem to favour the evolution of higher body volume and slower speed for giant size when compared to species of smaller sizes which usually forage for short-lived aphid colonies in seasonal and annual habitats of crop plants and weeds. Evidently, size (weight and volume) and speed matter in the evolution of life history attributes of predaceous ladybird beetles.

Field survey and laboratory studies were conducted to gather information on the natural enemies of Micraspis crocea. A number of predators, parasitoids and entomopathogens were observed to be associated with this species of beetle. Among the predators, the spiders were quite common in the field attacking both the larvae and adult beetles. Four species of spiders, Tetragnatha maxillosa Thorell, Argiope catenulata Doelschall, Oxyopes lineatipes C.L. Koch and Lycosa pseudoannulata Bosenberg and Strand were recorded belonging to 4 families: Tetragnathidae, Araneidae, Oxyopidae and Lycosidae, respectively. Among the species, Oxyopes lineatipes had a hight rate of consumption of the beetle larvae in the laboratory. Other insect predators observed included long-horned grasshoppers (Conocephalus longipennis), crickets (Metioche vittacolis Stal), carabid beetles (Ophionea nigrofasciata Schmidt-Goebel) and species of ant (Solenopsis germinata Fabricius). An Encyrtid wasp was also observed to parasitize the larvae of M. crocea while the white muscardine fungus, Beauveria bassiana Balsamo (Vuillemin) was found to infect the adult beetles in the field.

The developmental parameters, namely developmental periods, larval survival, adult emergence, growth index, developmental rate and sex ratio in terms of female proportion in a population of two aphidophagous ladybirds, namely, Coelophora biplagiata (Swartz) and Micraspis discolor (Fabricius) were investigated, using three aphid species as prey. The immature stages of C. biplagiata were significantly affected by prey quality and developed fastest when fed on Aphis craccivora followed by Aphis gossypii and Rhopalosiphum maidis. The order of prey suitability in terms of developmental rate of immature stages of M. discolor was just reversed. The adult females were heavier than males, while pre-pupae were heavier than pupae in both ladybirds. The sex ratio of adult emergence, though female-biased in both ladybird species, was not significantly affected by prey quality.

The influence of temperature on the age-specific fecundity of an aphidophagous ladybeetle, Micraspis discolor (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) feeding on the cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch (Homoptera: Aphididae) at four different temperatures, viz. 20, 25, 27 and 30°C, was investigated. The age-specific fecundity function was triangular and oviposition rate (no. of eggs/day) increased with increase in reproductive age of the ladybeetle, attaining a peak then gradually decreasing before finally ceasing. Young adults were more efficient at converting aphid biomass into eggs than older ones. The oviposition peak tended to shift towards younger females and the oviposition rate increased with increase in temperature from 20 to 27°C. The maximum fecundity and percent egg viability was 750 eggs and 95% at 27°C and minimum 385 eggs and 65% at 20°C, respectively.

Ladybird beetles are potential and promising biological control agents for the management of insect pests. These insects show variations in biological fitness in diverse habitats and subsequently in term of genotypes. We used cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequences to study within-species genetic variation in four species of ladybird predators, viz. Coccinella transversalis (Fab.), Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fab.), Micraspis discolor (Fab.) and Anisolemnia dilatata (Fab.) collected from different cultivated habitats of Tripura, North East India. Results of multiple sequence alignments of partial COI gene (553 bp) of mitochondrial origin showed 100% homology among different populations (within species) of three ladybird species. The molecular identity of M. discolor could not be established due to the absence of matching nucleotide sequence for this region of COI gene in the NCBI database. Three of the four populations of Micraspis species showed 100% homology in partial COI gene sequencing, but one representative population showed 52 nucleotide mutations, of which 1 mutation was found to result in the alteration of the codon from valine to isoleucine, and seemed to represent a different Micraspis species previously not known from NE India. This study shows that the three most common species of ladybird predators of aphid pests in NE India are fairly homogenous with respect to the COI gene, but species of Micraspis are genetically diverse and need further studies to address this issue.

The effects of temperature on the development and the predatory capacity of Micraspis discolor larvae were studied in laboratory. Two temperature levels 23.50°C and 30.71 o C on average, were used to assess the life cycle and developmental stages of the ladybird beetle M. discolor. The life cycle of M. discolor was 27.38 days at 23.50°C and reduced to 19.77 days at 30.71°C, the total larval period was 13.42 and 9.9 days, respectively. The pre-oviposition period of the ladybird beetle M. discolor was 4.95 days at 23.50°C and 5.23 days at 30.71°C. The female beetles laid 282 eggs and the hatching percentage of egg was 81.03 at 30.71°C and 179 eggs and the hatching percentage of egg was 88.73 at 23.50°C. At temperature 30.71°C and 23.50°C, the pupal periods were 4.91 and 2.92 days, respectively. The longevity of adult ladybird beetles was slightly prolonged when they were reared at 30.71°C compared with that when they were reared at 23.50°C. Feeding on the second insturs of B. brassicae the predatory capacity of M. discolor larvae consumed an average 206.28 prey per day at 30.71°C and 161.84 prey per day at 23.50°C. Keywords: Micraspis discolor , life cycle, longevity, predatory beetle. INTRODUCTION

Micraspis discolor (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a widely distributed coleoptera predator in southern Asia in rice ecosystem, and adult M. discolor feed on both rice pollen and soft-bodied arthropods. Bitrophic bioassay and tritrophic bioassay were conducted to evaluate the potential impact of Cry1Ac/Cry1Ab-expressing rice Huahui 1 and its non-transgenic counterpart Minghui 63 on fitness parameters of adult M. discolor. The results showed that the survival, and fecundity of this beetle' adults were not different when they fed on Bt rice or non-Bt rice pollen or Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) reared on Bt rice or non-Bt rice. Toxicity assessment to ensure M. discolor adults were not sensitive to Cry1Ab or Cry1Ac protein independent from the pollen background, M. discolor adults were fed with an artificial diet containing Cry1Ac, Cry1Ab or both protein approximately 10 times higher concentration than in Huahui 1 rice pollen. No difference was detected for any of the life-table parameters tested between Cry protein-containing and pure diet. Artificial diet containing E-64 (N-(trans-Epoxysuccinyl)-L-leucine 4-guanidinobutylamide) was included as a positive control. In contrast, the pre-oviposition and fecundity of M. discolor were significantly adversely affected by feeding on E-64-containing diet. In both bioassays, the uptakes of Cry protein by adult M. discolor were tested by ELISA measurements. These results indicated that adults of M. discolor are not affected by Cry1Ab- or Cry1Ac-expressing rice pollen and are not sensitive to Cry protein at concentrations exceeding the levels in rice pollen in Huahui1. This suggests that M. discolor adults would not be harmed by Cry1Ac/Cry1Ab rice if Bt rice Huahui 1 were commercialized.

A 4-yr on-farm study was conducted in the Philippines between 2006 and 2009 to determine if there are any long-term impacts of Bt corn on the arthropod community on commercial farms and in adjacent riparian areas. Arthropod counts were gathered by visual inspection of corn plants in three pairs of commercial farms and by sweep sampling in riparian sites close by. Sampling showed that species composition between Bt and non-Bt corn and between riparian areas adjacent to Bt or non-Bt corn were similar. Principal response curves and analysis of variance showed that there were no adverse effects of Bt corn on the abundance of natural enemies either in crops or adjacent riparian sites. The frequently observed natural enemies in Bt corn were the predatory coccinellid beetle, Micraspis discolor (F.) and spiders (Araneae). Arthropod diversity was similar 1) in Bt- and non-Bt corn and 2) the adjacent riparian areas. Taken together, the two parts of this study show that Bt corn does not have any long-term adverse effect on arthropod communities in corn (Zea mays L.) or in adjacent riparian ecosystems. The methods and results described in this study will be useful to Philippine government regulators in making recommendations and policy guidelines related to monitoring for environmental effects of transgenic crops. The current study did not attempt to demonstrate the direct exposure of arthropods in riparian sites to transgenic Cry1Ab protein that might come from adjacent Bt corn fields; that would require different experimental methods but the current study suggests such effects are unlikely.

We present an updated checklist of the ladybird beetle fauna of New Caledonia. Fifty species have been tracked from literature and collections, but six should be removed from the list as they represent false records, invalid or unestablished species: Coccinella boletifera Fauvel, Harmonia conformis (Boisduval), Menochilus duodecimpunctatus (Fauvel), Micraspis lineola (Fabricius), Orcus australasiae Boisduval, and Curinus coeruleus (Mulsant). After our investigations, the current described ladybird beetle fauna totals 44 named species, belonging to 18 valid genera. The endemism rate is 47.7% (21 species), with one endemic subgenus, Scymnus (Caledonus). Based on comparisons of the coccinellid faunas of surrounding regions, the New Caledonian fauna has affinities with Australia and Papua New Guinea more than with the rest of the Pacific area. At least 19 species (43.2%) seem to have been introduced by human activities (either deliberately or accidentally).

Bedbug is the major pest in paddy fields in North Sulawesi. The pest attacks on vegetative and generative phase of rice . The species of pest attacking on paddy fields in North Sulawesi is unknown. The study aimed to evaluate the spread of bedbug ground pests, to identify the pest species as well as natural enemies of the pest at the ecosystem of paddy fields in North Sulawesi. The result showed that the pest had spread to paddy field in Bolaang Mongondow, South Minahasa and Southeast Minahasa. In Minahasa regency, the pest had not been detected. In terms of population density of pest bugs , the highest was found in Bolaang Mongondow which was 14.67 individual per 20 times of swinging followed by South Minahasa which was 10.33 individual. The lowest was found in Southeastern Minahasa which was 0.67 individuals. There were eight types of natural enemies of the pest in soil ecosystem of paddy fields in North Sulawesi. The eight types of natural enemies of the pest were seven predator and one parasitoid. The one parasitoid was Telenomus sp. The seven predator were Micraspis crocea , Methioche sp, Anaxipha sp, Oxyopes javanus , Tetragnatha sp, Lycosa sp and Chilomenes sp. Keywords : bedbug spread of soil, its natural enemies

Eight insect predators common in the rice ecosystem in the Philippines were compared in the laboratory on their ability as to feed on the eggs of green hairy caterpillar,Rivula atimeta Swinhoe. A ranking, based on feeding rates was made:Metioche vittaticollis (Stal) (Gryllidae) was the most voracious predator, followed byAnaxipha longipennis (Serville)(Gryllidae), Ophionea nigrofasciata (Schmidt-Goebel)(Carabidae), Micraspis nr.crocea (Mulsant) (Coccinellidae) andConocephalus longipennis (de Haan) (Tettigoniidae). Also the smallCyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter (Miridae), readily fed upon the eggs.Paederus fuscipes Curtis (Staphilinidae) andCoccinella repanda (Thunberg) (Coccinellidae) fed to a very limited extent.Metioche vittaticollis andCyrtorhinus lividipennis were also tested on eggs of green semilooper,Naranga aenescens Moore, and rice whorl maggot,Hydrellia philippina Ferino. The feeding rate ofM. vittaticollis was similar on the 3 different preys, butC. lividipennis had a higher feeding rate onN. aenescens eggs.

SUMMARYChromosome formulae, behaviour of meiotic chromosomes and interspecific chromosomal homology in seven coleopteran species belonging to families, Meloidae, Tenebrionidae and Coccinellidae have been reported. Out of them, five species (Mylabris thunbergi of Meloidae, Pachycera? coromandelensis and Alphitobius laevigatus of Tenebrionidae and Epilachna sp. and Micraspis inops of Coccinellidae) have 20 chromosomes in their respective diploid complements and two species, i.e. Mylabris pustulata of Meloidae and Hoplobrachium dentipes of Tenebrionidae, have 2n = 22. The sex mechanism is found to be Xyr in three species (M. thunbergi, M. pustulata and H. dentipes) and is Xyp in the rest. Metacentry, heteropycnotic sex chromatin in the resting nucleus, terminal chiasma, monochiasmate bivalents, diffuse diplotene etc. are some of the common cytological features of all these species. Evolution of karyotype through loss of y, loss/addition of chromatin, gene level changes and heterochromatinisation has been sug...

Experiments were conducted to find out the efficiency of predators, Stethorus punctillum and Micraspis discolor in searching (behaviour), handling (time) and predating (efficiency) red mite, Tetranychus bioculatus (Wood-Mason) attacking marigold plants. Predators grub and adults spent their time through walking, running and flying for searching prey. The walking was common in both the stages and it was more common in S. punctillum than M. discolor. The grub and adult of S. punctillum were more active than that of M. discolor for searching prey. The handling times were measured by adding time required for recognition, capture and consumption of the prey. The predators recognized prey in 2.2-3.0 minutes after release. The capture and consumption time differed significantly. The study showed significantly different preying activity of predators on egg, larva, nymph and adult of red mite. The predating efficiency of S. punctillum and M. discolor was significantly higher when feeding on eggs and was ranged from 35.4 to 48.4 eggs per day than that of larva, nymph and adult of the mite. The rate of consumption of red mite by S. punctillum and M. discolor increased with increasing density of mite up to 30 mites and was correlated with its population density. Key words: Searching behaviour, handling time, predation efficiency, Stethorus punctillum, Micraspis discolor, red mite, marigold. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1465 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 98-104, June 2007

An investigation was carried out on the natural enemies of red mite, Tetranychus bioculatus in the marigold gardens. Insects and spiders both were found to occur as the predators of red mite. Two species of lady bird beetle viz. Stethorus punctillum, Micraspis discolor and two species of spiders e.g. lynx spider (Oxyopes sp.), long mouth spider (Tetragatha sp.) were encountered. Micraspis discolor and spiders were more than S. punctillum. The abundance of predator population was positively correlated with the abundance of their mite prey. Key words: Natural enemies, red mite, marigold. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1467 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 110-115, June 2007

A new phacidiaceous genus, Micraspis, is erected to accommodate a single species, M. acicola, on Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P. from Northern Ontario. Its probable conidial state is described as Periperidium acicola gen. et sp. nov.

RESP-2046

The first part of a revision of Australian Coccinellidae (Epilachninae excepted) deals with the subfamily Coccinellinae, which now includes 14 genera and 32 species. The Australian coccinellid fauna is examined in relation to that of the world as a whole and the history of its role in the field of biological control briefly reviewed. Keys to subfamilies, genera and species are given. The Coccinellinae and its included Australian genera and species are defined and available data concerning distribution and biology presented. Two new species, Illeis (Leptothea) flava and Micraspis confusa are described. Two new specific synonymies, [Orcus mollipes Olliff = Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fabricius) and Archegleis crotchi Iablokoff-Khnzorian = A. delta (Weise)], are proposed. Lemnia Mulsant [Australian species mulsanti (Montrouzier) and jansoni (Crotch)] is re-synonymised with Coelophora Mulsant and Synia Mulsant (renamed Synona, nom. nov.) is restored to full generic status. Micraspis frenata (Erichson) is resurrected as a good species, Coelophora astrolabiana Weise transferred to Phrynocaria Timberlake, and Harmonia duplicata (Crotch) is transferred to Archegleis Iablokoff-Khnzorian. Phrynocaria astrolabiana (Weise) and Coccinella undecimpunctata Linnaeus are recorded as new to Australia.