Taxonomic redescription of the species of sub-family Chilocorinae (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract

Ladybugs are diverse group of living organisms. They belong to family Coccinellidae of order Coleoptera. The family has been subdivided into six subfamilies: Sticholotidinae, Chilochorinae, Scymninae, Coccidulinae, Coccinellinae and Epilachninae. These are universal predators and occupy important place in biological control. In this paper four species of the subfamily Chilocorinae have been collected and rediscribed as no taxonomic work has been done on this group in Kashmir, India. This paper provides a detailed taxonomy of Chilocorus infernalis, Chilocorus rubidus, Pricibrumus uropygialis and Platynaspidius saundersi on the basis of advanced taxonomic character that is male genitalia. Detailed description of adults, male genitalia and taxonomic keys are provided for each species along with color plates.