COCCINELLID DIVERSITY OF THE GARHWAL REGION OF UTTARAKHAND, INDIA – I

Coccinellid diversity of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India have been studied from hilly, terai and plain areas. We explored a small portion of area between Dehradun, and Rishikesh of Garhwal, Uttarakhand and found thirteen coccinellid species in the first part of an extensive survey. These coccinellid species are Coccinella septempunctata, Menochilus sexmaculatus, Hippodamia variegata, Harmonia eucharis, Coccinella transversalis, Oenopia sauzeti, Oenopia kirbyi, Oenopia mimica, Propylea luteopustulata, Platynaspis saundersi, Anegleis cardoni, Coelophora saucia and Illeis confusa. Amongst these, only I. confusa is mycophagous, while the rest of coccinellids are aphidophagous and important biocontrol agents of aphids. Garhwal is known for the rich insect diversity. However, little is known regarding its coccinellid diversity. Thus, we also reviewed the ecology and prey-predator interactions with an objective to discuss their biocontrol potential. We also described their taxonomy, morphology, and distribution.