Coccinelloidea

Latreille, 1807

Lady, Fungus, Scavenger, and Bark Beetles

Family Guides

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Coccinelloidea is a superfamily of beetles in the order Coleoptera, comprising more than 10,000 across 15 . The superfamily was formerly included in Cucujoidea but has been reclassified based on phylogenetic evidence. The most diverse family is Coccinellidae (ladybird beetles), with over 6,000 species. Other families include fungus-feeding Endomychidae, scavenging Latridiidae, and bark-associated Bothrideridae and Cerylonidae.

Damaeus by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.Epidermoptidae by (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet. Used under a CC-BY license.Psoroptidae by (c) Oleksii Vasyliuk, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Oleksii Vasyliuk. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coccinelloidea: /kɒksɨˌnɛlɔɪˈdiːə/

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Identification

are distinguished by a reduced tarsal formula (each with 4 or 3 segments), hind separated by more than one-third their width, and an intercoxal process of abdominal ventrite 1 that is broadly rounded or . Hindwings have reduced anal and lack a closed radial . The rests on its side when retracted, with the phallobase usually reduced. Larvae possess a unisetose pretarsal claw, annular , and a sensory appendage of the second antennal segment usually as long as the third segment.

Images

Distribution

Worldwide, with most recorded from tropical and subtropical regions. Specific records include Colombia (404 species), South Korea, El Salvador, China, and the Canary Islands.

Ecological Role

Members of Coccinellidae within this superfamily function as beneficial in agricultural , particularly in controlling pest of hemipteran suborder Sternorrhyncha (aphids, , , whiteflies, and psyllids). Some lineages have been utilized in programs.

Human Relevance

Ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) are widely used in of agricultural pests. The superfamily includes of economic importance for pest management, though some Coccinellidae species are plant feeders rather than .

Similar Taxa

  • CucujoideaFormerly included Coccinelloidea; distinguished by different tarsal formulas, wing venation, and male genitalia orientation. Coccinelloidea was separated based on molecular and morphological phylogenetic evidence.

Sources and further reading