Faunistic Study of Ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in the Banat Region, Romania

Abstract

Ladybirds (Coccinellidae) are a popular, widely recognized and highly regarded insect group due to their bright color and role in controlling insect pests (Gordon, 1985). Worldwide nearly 6000 species are known (Vandenberg, 2002). From systematic point of view, ladybeetles belonging to Class Insecta , Subclass Pterygota , Order Coleoptera , Suborder Polyphaga , Superfamily Cucujoidea anf Family Coccinellidae. Coccinellids are of interest and importance in agriculture and forestry, since adults and larvae of most species are predators of herbivorous pests such aphids, psyllids, mealy bugs and scale insects (Obrycki and Kring, 1998). The aim of this research regarding coccinellid beetles was to explore, identify and also characterize the coccinellid fauna of the Banat region (Romania). The coccinellid beetles were collected from March 2013 to September 2014 from 4 localities at different altitudes in the Banat region. Samples were collected at weekly interval from a wide variety of habitats: agricultural land, gardens and parks, both on herbaceous and woody essences. In this study a total of 15 species belonging to 11 genera and 3 subfamilies were identified. In the investigated habitats from the entomofaunistic point of view, the coccinelid species identified were as follows: Coccinella 5 - punctata L., Coccinella 7 - punctata L., Coccinulla 14 - pustulata L., Tythaspis 17 - punctata L., Adalia 2 - punctata L., Adalia 10 - punctata L., Propylaea 14 - punctata L., Subcoccinella 24 - punctata L., Psylobora 22 - punctata L., Hippodamia tredecimpunctata L., Adonia variegate Goeze., Harmonia axyridis Pallas., Calvia decimguttata L., Chilocorus bipustulatus L. and Chilocorus renipustulatus Scriba. Seven species were the most abundant and could be observed in the investigated area every year.