Life-history attributes and biocontrol potential of the Purple coccidophagous ladybird, Rhyzobius lophanthae (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae)

Rhyzobius lophanthae (Blaisdell) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an Australian coccidophagous ladybird, that preys on several species Diaspididae and others soft scale insects. It is widely distributed and has been successfully introduced and established in many temperate regions around the world. This article aims to review the literature on R. lophanthae , focusing on its taxonomy and nomenclature, prey range and geographical distribution, biology and ecology (including, life-history, morphological description and identification, effects of temperature on survival and mortality rate, predation rate and fecundity, growth, development and life tables), impact of chemical pesticides and successful application as biocontrol agent. Additionally, this review identifies key aspects (areas) where future research should be focused, including molecular identification and phylogenetic relationships, intraguild predation and cannibalism, cold storage and artificial diets, impact of climate change, effects of pesticides at various life stages, optimal release strategies and role of functional diversity on its maintenance and conservation.