Beetles (Coleoptera) of Peru: A Survey of the Families. Coccinellidae

Abstract

Diversity in Peru: 64 genera, 329 species, 199 endemics (60%). Recognition: Coccinellids are popularly known as ladybugs or ladybird beetles. The adults are minute to medium sized (1-12 mm). The body is oblong or semicircular, flat underneath and normally convex dorsally, some depressed. The tarsal formula is pseudotetramerous or trimerous. The antennae have 8-11 antennomeres and a 1-5 club. Pilosity may be present or absent. Body colors are frequently red or orange with black or white; in some groups the color is yellow, brown or piceous, rarely metallic green or blue. A post-coxal line is present on the first abdominal ventrite and the penis is modified into a sipho. Detailed descriptions of the family can be founded in Vandenberg (2002) and Slipinski and Tomaszewska (2010). Habits and Habitats: Coccinellids have a wide range of food preference. Some species are plant feeders (Epilachninae) and a few feed exclusively on fungi (Halyziini). The majority, however, are predators of adults and immature stages of hemipteran from the suborder Sternorrhyncha (Aphididioidea, Aleyrodoidea, Psyllidae, Margarodidae, etc). Exceptions from this general predatory pattern might occur, the most relevant being the specialization on tetranychid mites by members of the tribe Stethorini. Given their predatory habits, several coccinellids are used in the biological control of agricultural pest. Some plant feeders, on the other hand, might reach pest status. Coccinellids develop quickly, in about a month in spring or summer; the adults live about six months. They are commonly diurnal species. Notes: The checklist below covers until 2014. The classification used follows Bouchard et al. (2011) with minor changes in tribe structure. The last list available considered only about 100 species (Blackwelder, 1945). The 2/3 of the currently recognized species were described in the last 50 years, especially through the works of Robert D. Gordon from 1969 to today. The bibliography contains all the taxonomic works not included in Blackwelder (1945) or in the bibliography of Gonzalez (2010). An updated bibliography including taxonomy, phylogeny, biology and agriculture-related jobs, as well as a key to the genera of Coccinellidae in South America, and individual pages about the majority of the species cited from Perucan be found at the website: www.coccinellidae.cl.