Taxonomy and New Distributional Records of Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) in Cereal Agroecosystems and Their Prey Associations

Abstract

Coccinellidae (Coleoptera), commonly known as ladybird beetles, represent one of the most important groups of predatory insects in agricultural ecosystems due to their significant role in the natural suppression of pest populations. In cereal agroecosystems, these predators contribute substantially to the biological control of aphids, scale insects, mites, and other phytophagous arthropods that reduce crop productivity. The present study was conducted to investigate the taxonomy, diversity, and new distributional records of Coccinellidae species in cereal-based agroecosystems and to document their prey associations. Extensive field surveys were carried out across major cereal cultivation regions during different cropping seasons. Beetle specimens were collected using sweep nets, aspirators, and visual sampling methods and were identified based on external morphology, genital characteristics, and standard taxonomic keys. Observations on prey associations were recorded through direct field monitoring and laboratory examination of feeding behavior. The results revealed a diverse assemblage of coccinellid species associated with cereal crops, including several new regional distributional records not previously documented in the surveyed agroecosystems. Dominant species were frequently associated with aphid infestations and other soft-bodied insect pests, indicating their important ecological role in pest regulation. Morphological analysis demonstrated clear taxonomic variation among the collected species, while habitat conditions and prey availability significantly influenced species abundance and distribution patterns. Some predator species exhibited broad prey preferences, whereas others showed stronger associations with specific pest groups. The findings of this study provide valuable contributions to the taxonomy and biodiversity knowledge of Coccinellidae in cereal agroecosystems. Documentation of new distributional records and prey associations enhances understanding of predator–prey interactions and supports the development of conservation-based biological control strategies.