Morphology and surface structure of eggs and fırst instar larvae of Coccinella septempunctata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The seven-spotted ladybug, Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) L., is a polyphagous predatory species that feeds on many species of aphids and some soft-bodied insects in both larval and adult stages. For this reason, C. septempunctata L. (Coccinellidae) is very important in biological control. In this study, the egg structure and first larval period of C. septempunctata were examined using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The first larvae that emerge from C. septempunctata eggs are dark brown and have 3 pairs of legs. The abdomen consists of 8 segments. In SEM photographs, star-shaped extensions were observed on both sides of the strip on the dorsal surface of the thorax and abdomen of the larvae. Large stigma openings were found at equal intervals on the side of the abdomen. C. septempunctata eggs are clear and oval, appearing elliptical dorsally and ventrally and slightly rounded at both ends. The egg and larval structure of the invasive species C. septempunctata is described in detail.