Coccinelloidea

Latreille, 1807

Lady, Fungus, Scavenger, and Bark Beetles

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

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/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

are distinguished by a reduced tarsal formula (each with 4 or 3 ), hind separated by more than one-third their width, and an intercoxal of abdominal ventrite 1 that is broadly rounded or . have reduced and lack a closed . The rests on its side when retracted, with the phallobase usually reduced. possess a unisetose pretarsal , 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 within this superfamily function as in agricultural , particularly in controlling pest of suborder (, , , , and ). Some lineages have been utilized in programs.

Human Relevance

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

Similar Taxa

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

Sources and further reading