Coccidulini

Mulsant, 1846

Genus Guides

Coccidula(snow lady beetles)
Rhyzobius

Coccidulini is a tribe of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) with highest diversity in African, Australian, and Neotropical regions. The group is taxonomically problematic and has been subject to ongoing revision. Some members, such as the African Epipleuria, are wingless with and reduced hind wings. The tribe was established by Mulsant in 1846.

Coccidula by (c) Barry Walter, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Barry Walter. Used under a CC-BY license.

Stethorus by (c) Paul Cook, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Paul Cook. Used under a CC-BY license.

Stethorus by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coccidulini: //kɒk.sɪˈduː.lɪ.naɪ//

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

Identification

Members of Coccidulini are distinguished from related tribes by combinations of genitalic characters. In the Epipleuria: small or indistinct scutellar shield; wide epipleura; modified narrow parameres; broadening toward apex with hooks or spines; spermatheca with bulbous base and curved apex. Body size ranges 1.3–2.3 mm. Some are wingless with and lack hind wings.

Images

Distribution

Highest diversity occurs in African, Australian, and Neotropical regions. The Epipleuria is known from the Republic of South Africa and Lesotho.

Behavior

Some members are wingless with along the elytral and lack hind wings. This flightless condition has been documented in the Epipleuria.

Similar Taxa

RhyzobiusEpipleuria was previously confused with Rhyzobius but is distinguished by genitalic including shape and spermatheca structure.

More Details

Taxonomic status

Coccidulini is considered a problematic group within Coccinellidae, with ongoing revisions clarifying generic boundaries. The African Epipleuria was re-described and validated as distinct from Rhyzobius, with two new described from South Africa and three species transferred to the newly established genus Pseudoepipleuria.