Brachyp tery and wing-polymorphism among the Coccinellidae (Coleoptera).

. 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]