Coccinellidae-A-Deep-Dive-into-Ladybug.pdf

Pdf related to lady bug

1. Coccinellidae: A Deep Dive
into Ladybug
This presentation explores the fascinating world of ladybugs, a diverse
group of insects that play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
by Kalpana Kumari

2. Taxonomy and Phylogeny: Tracing the Ladybug
Family Tree
Family Coccinellidae
Ladybugs belong to the family Coccinellidae, a diverse
group of beetles with over 6,000 species worldwide.
Subfamilies and Tribes
The family is further divided into subfamilies and tribes,
reflecting the evolutionary relationships between different
ladybug groups.

3. Morphology and Anatomy:
Unveiling the Ladybug's
Form
Hemielytra
Ladybugs have hard, protective
wing covers called elytra, which
protect their delicate wings.
Antennae
They have long, segmented
antennae that are used to
detect food and navigate their
environment.
Legs
Ladybugs have three pairs of legs that allow them to walk and climb
with agility.

4. Diet and Predatory
Behavior: The Ladybug's
Role as a Natural Pest
Control
Aphids
Ladybugs are
voracious predators
of aphids, sucking the
sap from these tiny
insects.
Scale Insects
They also feed on
other soft-bodied
insects, such as scale
insects, which can
damage crops.
Mites
Some ladybugs are
even known to feed on
mites, which are often
found on plants.

5. Life Cycle and
Reproduction: From Egg to
Adult Ladybug
1
Egg
Ladybugs lay clusters of small, yellow eggs on leaves,
typically near aphid colonies.
2
Larva
The larvae hatch from the eggs and go through several
instars, feeding on aphids and growing rapidly.
3
Pupa
The larva forms a pupa, a quiescent stage where
transformation into the adult takes place.
4
Adult
The adult ladybug emerges from the pupa, ready to mate
and continue the cycle.

6. Habitat and Distribution:
Where Do Ladybugs
Thrive?
1
Flowering Plants
Ladybugs are commonly found in gardens, meadows, an d
other areas with abundant flowering plants.
2
Forests
Some ladybug species are associated with forests, where
they find food and shelter among trees.
3
Grasslands
Ladybugs are also present in grasslands, feeding on aphids
that live on grasses and other plants.

7. Ecological Significance: Ladybugs as Indicators
of Environmental Health
1
2
3
Biological Control
Ladybugs help regulate pest
populations, reducing the need for
chemical pesticides.
Pollination
As they visit flowers, ladybugs can help
pollinate plants, contributing to
biodiversity.
Food Webs
Ladybugs are part of complex food
webs, providing food for birds, reptiles,
and other animals.

8. Conservation Status and
Future Research:
Protecting Ladybugs for
Generations
1
Habitat Loss
Habitat destruction is a major
threat to ladybug populations,
leading to declines in some areas.
2
Pesticide Use
Exposure to pesticides can harm
ladybugs and disrupt their
beneficial role in ecosystems.
3
Climate Change
Climate change is affecting
ladybug distribution and
abundance, highlighting the
importance of adaptation.