Faunistic Survey and Checklist of Predatory Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Cotton Fields and Their Prey Associations

Abstract

Cotton agroecosystems harbor a diverse community of natural enemies that play a crucial role in regulating pest populations, particularly aphids, whiteflies, and other soft-bodied insects. Among these beneficial organisms, predatory beetles belonging to the family Coccinellidae are considered important biological control agents due to their high feeding efficiency and adaptability to agricultural environments. The present study was conducted to document the faunistic diversity and prepare a comprehensive checklist of predatory Coccinellidae species occurring in cotton fields, along with their prey associations. Systematic field surveys were carried out across major cotton-growing regions, and beetle specimens were collected using standardized sampling methods, including sweep netting, visual inspection, and trap-based collection techniques. The collected specimens were identified based on morphological characteristics and confirmed through available taxonomic keys. Observations on prey associations were recorded through field monitoring of feeding behavior and gut content analysis where applicable. The results revealed a rich diversity of coccinellid predators in cotton ecosystems, with several species showing strong associations with key agricultural pests. Dominant species were frequently observed preying on aphids, whiteflies, and scale insects, indicating their significant role in natural pest suppression. Variation in species abundance and distribution was observed across different locations and cropping stages, influenced by environmental conditions and pest availability. The study highlights the ecological importance of Coccinellidae as natural enemies in cotton-based agroecosystems and underscores their potential in integrated pest management programs. The findings provide a valuable faunistic baseline for future ecological and biological control research and support the conservation of beneficial insect diversity for sustainable cotton production systems.