In this book, the ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are studied from the North-East Biogeographic Zone of India, comprising the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. Altogether 150 species of ladybird beetles belonging to 51 genera and thirteen tribes of two subfamilies have been reported from this zone, representing about 27.3% of the total Indian ladybird beetles (550 species). Out of the total recorded species, 126 are predators of a different group of insects, and 24 in the tribe Epilachnini are phytophagous. The book includes synonyms, material examined, host records, diagnostic characters, and photographs of adults and male genitalia of 102 species along with the identification keys to genera and species. Two species are described as new to science, and new combinations are proposed for four species. Forty species are reported for the first time from Northeastern Hills and seven species from Brahmaputra valley. Additionally, 18 species are reported first time from Meghalaya, 15 from Manipur, 14 from Nagaland, 13 from Tripura, eight from Assam, and seven from Mizoram.
Preface
Acknowledgement
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Ladybird Taxonomy in Global and National Perspective
Chapter 3. Field Explorations in North-East Zone
Chapter 4. Overall Diversity and Distribution
References