STAPHYLINIDAE, SCARABAEIDAE, DERMESTIDAE AND CURCULIONIDAE (INSECTA: COLEOPTERA) FIRST RECORD, FROM KARGIL (LADAKH), J&K-INDIA

http://www.munisentzool.org/yayin/vol10/issue1/vol10issue1-854609.pdf

Biology of Hypolixus trunculatus L.

http://www.munisentzool.org/yayin/vol4/issue2/510-518.pdf

Ground And Darkling Beetles.

http://thebioscan.in/Journals_PDF/5411-%20MOHD%20FEROZ.pdf

Lady Bird beetles from Kargil.

Published in "THE BIOSCAN" 4(4):683-688,2009.

LADY BIRD BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: COCCINELLIDAE)FROM KARGIL (J&K)
J.S.TARA & MOHD FEROZ*
Department of Zoology, Division Entomology, University of Jammu, Jammu (Tawi) -180006, J&K
India.
*E-mail: feroz.ento@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

High altitude region (Cold Desert) of Himalaya comprises twin districts of Kargil & Leh. Kargil district ranges from an altitude of 2704 m – 7135 m above sea level was studied during the year 2007-08 to report the diversity of insect fauna of family Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) from three different altitudes viz; low, medium and high of the area. Five Coccinellid species viz; Adalia sp., Hippodamia variegata., Coccinela sp., Coelophora sp. and Halyzia sp. were recorded during the survey. Further studies with regard to their diagnostic features are also incorporated in this communication.

Key Words: Kargil, high altitude, Cold desert, diversity, Coleoptera.


INTRODUCTION:
Coccinellidae is a family of beetles, known variously as ladybirds (British English, Australian English, South African English), ladybugs (North American English) or lady beetles (preferred by some scientists) *(Wikipedia). Lesser-used names include ladyclock, lady cow, and lady fly **(Definition of lady cow). Coccinellid beetles belonging to the super family Cucujoidea, which in turn belongs to the series Cucujiformia within the sub order Polyphaga of the beetles (Coleoptera). Worldwide, nearly 5,200 species of ladybirds are known Hawkeswood, (1987). Moreton (1969), Hawkeswood (1987), Majerus (1994) and Khan (2001), c.f. Khan et al, (2006) considered many species of Coccinellids as major biological agents in controlling pests like aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips and mites in all parts of the world. Most species of ladybird beetles are considered beneficial because they are predators of Homoptera or Acarina, many of which are considered to be pests. A contemporary basis for an understanding of this family in North America was provided by Gordon (1976, 1985). These predatory ladybirds contribute to the regulation of populations of their prey, and in some situations contribute a high level of regulation. Some are specific in their


food choice, while many are polyphagous. Kargil district lying in the northwest Himalaya is a cold desert and the terrain is very difficult to study insect diversity. This observation is just a preliminary attempt to study the diversity of this family in this cold desert.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Area of Study:
The study area was located in Ladakh region of the J&K State at an altitudinal range of 2,636 meters above sea level lying in between 34o36′ North Latitude and 76o06′ East Longitude. Topography variable, ranging from 2,636 meters up to 7,135 meters, comprises of maze of valleys. Most of the area is barren with high slopes. Only areas having water source are seen with good amount of vegetation. Average rain fall is very low and that too mostly in the form of snow during winter months. The study area experienced both arctic and desert climate and commonly known as “Cold Desert” of the country.

Methods:
For detail investigation of these families, data was gathered fortnightly at 3 different areas with different altitude and habitats viz., Poyen (2,636.36 - 2,727.27 m asl) having crop land and forest, Kurbathang (2,757.57 - 2,878.78 m asl) with mainly alfalfa fields and Goma-Kargil (Goma-Kargil 2,909.09 - 3,030.30 m asl) provided with sparse vegetation of xerophytic type of the Kargil town within Kargil district.
Adult beetles were collected from the area under investigation by traditional methods like hand picking, using hand net and some times also by stem beating at fortnight intervals during (March 2007 - February 2008) in five different study plots of 5 square meter area in each of the three stations.
After collection the insects were killed by using ethyl acetate either in the killing bottle or by introducing cotton balls dipped and subsequently squeezed in ethyl acetate in closed polythene bags. After killing the beetles were pinned/ cardened, stretched and dried in oven and get identified from IARI, New Delhi.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS:
A total of 580 specimens were collected and classified belonging to five genera, Hippodamia variegata, Adalia sp., Coccinella sp., Halyzia sp. and Coelophora sp.

1. Hippodamia (Adonia) variegata Goeze (Plate 1, Fig. 1)
Habit and Habitat: Recorded to feed on a variety of aphid species on different host plants by many workers like, Aslan and Uygun, (2005) on Aphis affinis on Mentha arvensis L., Aphis craccivora Koch. on Galium aparine L., Aphis fabae Scapoli on Beta vulgaris L., Aphis fabae Scapoli on Helianthus annus L., Aphis frangulae Kaltenbach on Cucumis sativus L., on Populus species and Pemphigus bursarius L. from Turkey. Ahmad et al. (2001) recorded for the first time from Populus deltoids on aphids from North India. Sharma and Adlakha, (1989) recorded on aphids infesting wheat and barley (Macrosiphum granarium), crucifers (B. brassica) and pea, on maize aphids (R. maidis) and kharif vegetables in Himachal Pradesh. Khan et al. (2006) collected from Trifolium, wheat and maize crops in Pakistan. Irshad (2001) examined this species feeding on various insect and mite pests (c.f. Khan et al., 2006). Present investigators during their studies from Kargil region has found this species on barley, maize, alfalfa and wild rose.
Distribution: Outside India recorded from Wyoming (Michels, Jr., 1987), Central Europe, Czech Republic (Honek et al., 2007), Faisalabad, (Gillani, 1976), Pakistan, (Mohyuddin, 1981) (c.f. Khan et al., 2006), also Khan et al. (2006) collected this species from 1,219.40 - 2,651.63 m altitudes. Kahramanmaras, Turkey (Aslan and Uygun, 2005), Faisalabad, Pakistan, (Zahoor et al., 2003), Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tibet, Mongolia, China, Northern and Eastern Africa, Palaearctic (Poorani, 2008). In India distributed in North India (Ahmad et al., 2001), Solan, Himachal Pradesh (Sharma and Adlakha, 1989), Kalluk, Sikkim (Wadhi and Prashad, 1982), J&K, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra (Poorani, 2008). In the area under study the beetle was recorded from Poyen, Kurbathang and Goma-Kargil areas of Kargil district at an altitudinal range of 2,636.36 m to 3,030.03 m.
Diagnostic Features: Present authors observed the length to vary between 4.0 to 5.0 mm and breadth 2.0 to 3.0 mm however, Ahmad et al. (2001) recorded a length of this beetle to range between 4.0 to 4.5 mm from Dehradun whereas Sharma and Adlakha (1989) found the size of the same species to be 4.45±0.73 mm in length and 3.0±0.67 mm in breadth from Solan. Convex and oval in shape. Orange-yellow or yellowish brown with varied spots and stripes on the body, head and prothoracic tergum deep dark (Sharma and Adlakha, 1989); in some individuals anterior part creamish but in others a single transverse creamish central stripe present; stripes of the pronotum varies in shape, some are fringed forming loop like structures facing anteriorly and some having two loops with central spot; elytral spots variable and black, abdomen black. Head Punctate, usually remained hidden from above, small, somewhat triangular with laterally placed prominent eyes towards the base of the head capsule. Antennae Small, pubescent, 11 segmented and clavate, club 3 segmented arising in front of the eyes between clypeus and eyes. Pronotum punctate, black except with narrow anterior and lateral margins enlarged and covers whole of the thorax, margin convex, anterior margin sinuate and the posterior margin slightly convex. Scutellum small and triangular. Ventrally prosternum elongate with prosternal lobes extending backward between fore coxae, coxal cavity closed; mesosternum small; mesepimeron creamish, triangular touching the mid coxae; metasternum large, plate like, raised with median longitudinal groove; metepimeron creamish and small. Legs similar in shape with 3 segmented tarsi. Elytra of newly emerged beetle light yellow later turns deep red; each elytron with six black spots (Ahmad et al., 2001) of different sizes, some spots coalescing (Sharma and Adlakha, 1989), punctate, convex yellowish or reddish brown with irregular black spots, the elytral suture does not extend upto the tip of the elytra as the elytral tips are slightly separated, elytra slopes gradually from suture to the outer edge and curved around the outer margin of the abdomen. Abdominal turga covered completely by the elytra, ventrally 5 abdominal sterna visible, 1st abdominal sternum has curved coxal lines and its posterior margin is complete.

2. Adalia Mulsant, 1850 (Plate 1, Fig. 2)
Habit and Habitat: Found on Triticum aestivum and Triticum alaxandrium feeding on wheat aphids also from different vegetations feeding on scale insect pests (Khan et al., 2006), from Murree feeding on Adelges species (Irshad, 2001; c.f. Khan et al., 2006), Aphis affinis on Mentha arvensis L., Aphis nerii Boyer de Fonscolobe on Nerium oleander L., Hyalopterus pruni Geoffroy on Prunus armeniaca L., Aphis fabae Scapoli on Rumex crispus L., Aphis pomi De Geer on Malus communis L. (Aslan and Uygun, 2005). During the present study the beetle was collected from maize, barley and alfalfa.
Distribution: Pakistan, Middle East, China, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, Nepal, Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia (Poorani, 2008), Wyoming (Michles, Jr., 1987), Shagram at 2,263.02 m in the Turkoh region, Chitral town, Drasan of Pakistan and Nepal (Acnepari et al., 1997, c.f. Khan et al., 2006), Kahramanmaras, Turkey (Aslan and Uygun, 2005), Faisalabad, Pakistan (Zahoor et al., 2003), Moscow, U.K (Hadrrill et al., 2007), New Zealand (Leschen et al., 2003). From India the beetle has been found from Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, J&K, (Poorani, 2008), Leh, Kargil (Uniyal, 2001). During the present observations it was recorded from Poyen and Kurbathang at an altitudinal range of 2,636.36 m to 2,878.78 m. Besides these stations, this beetle was also found from Chiktan block of district Kargil.
Diagnostic Features: Length varies from 5.0 to 6.0 mm whereas breadth from 2.0 to 3.0 mm. Convex and oval in shape. Generally reddish brown, head black, two creamish spot in between eyes, anteriorly small narrow creamish stripe also present on clypeus, pronotum black with irregular creamish white lateral margins, elytra reddish brown with black spots. Head small, usually hidden from above by pronotum. Eyes well developed, positioned laterally towards the base of the head capsule. Antennae small, pubescent, 11 segmented, clavate, arising infront of the eyes between lateral margin of clypeus and eyes; scape narrow at base with broader apex; club formed of 3 segments and apical segment globular. Pronotum punctate, enlarged, shiny, concave anteriorly and convex postero laterally, antero lateral margins slightly raised. Scutellum small, black, triangular. Legs similar in shape, pubescent with 3 segmented tarsi. Elytra convex, hard, punctate, reddish brown, (spots variable, present one, two, three or four spots on each elytron), elytra extends upto tip of the abdomen, elytral suture does not extend to the tip, elytra slopes gradually from suture to the outer edge and curved around the outer margin of the abdomen ventrally. Abdomen small, pubescent, terga covered completely by the elytra, ventrally 6 abdominal sterna visible, posterior margin of abdominal sterna smooth, 1st visible abdominal sternum has curved coxal line.

3. Coccinella Linnaeus, 1758 (plate 1, Fig. 3)
Habit and Habitat: Remains active between second fortnight of February to second fortnight of May and then from July to October (Sharma and Adlakha, 1989), feeding on aphids in alfalfa fields. Polyphagous, predator of aphids infesting rabi and kharif crops (Sharma and Adlakha, 1989), Aphis acetosae L. on Rumex crispus L., Aphis affinis Del Guercio on Mentha arvensis L., Aphis craccivora Koch on Galium aparine L., Aphis euphorbiae Kaltenbach on Euphorbia helioscopia L., Aphis fabae Scapoli on Pimpinella species, Aphis fabae Scapoli on Rumex crispus L., Aphis fabae subspecies cirsiiacanthoidis Scapoli on Circium arvense L., Aphis fabae Scapoli on Beta vulgaris L., Aphis frangulae Kaltenbach on Cucumis sativus L., Hyalopterus amygdali (Blanchard) on Amygdalus communis L., Rhopalosiphum padi L. on Typha latifolia L., Brachycaudus species on Tamus species Brachycaudus schwartzi (Burner) on Prunus avium L. (Aslan and Uygun, 2005), aphids and scale insects on Trifolium, maize and wheat (Khan et al., 2006), aphids (Ahmad et al., 2001). During the present survey the beetle was collected from under the stone in hibernation in the area.
Distribution: Outside India recorded from Great lake, North America (Watson, 1979), Orient, New York (Davis) 1932, North America (Schaeffer) 1912, Washington (Russell) 1968; c.f. Wheeler and Hoebeck, (1981), Wyoming (Michels, Jr., 1987), Eastern and Central North America (Angalet et al., 1979), (Cartwright et al., 1979), Hoebeck and Wheeler (1980), Obrycki et al. (1987), Israel (Rubin, 1981), China (Yan et al., 1981), Kazakistan (Hodeck, 1973) (c.f. Rice, 1992), Rocky mountains, North America (Rice, 1992), Central Europe, Czech Republic (Honek et al., 2007), throughout Pakistan at altitudes ranging from 1,219.40 - 2,651.63 m (Khan et al., 2006), Kahramanmaras, Turkey (Aslan and Uygun, 2005), Faisalabad, Pakistan (Zahoor et al., 2003), New Zealand (Leschen et al., 2003). In India distributed in North India (Ahmad et al., 2001), Solan, Himachal Pradesh (Sharma and Adlakha, 1989), Indian subcontinent (Poorani, 2004), Richinpong, Lachung, Toong, Chakung, Singhik, Rongli, Shishne, Fanshion, Sikkim (Wadhi and Prashad, 1982), Drass, Kargil (Uniyal, 2001). Present investigator found this beetle from Poyen, at an altitudinal range of 2,636.36 m to 2,727.27 m.
Diagnostic Features: Beetle is 6.0 mm in length and 4.0 mm in breadth. However, Sharma and Adlakha, (1989) recorded 7.05±0.90 mm in length and 5.10±0.95 mm as breadth of this beetle from Solan, Himachal Pradesh whereas, Ahmad et al. (2001) measured 4.0 to 5.0 mm in length of the same species from Dehradun. Body shape convex and oval. Generally yellowish brown to reddish brown, head black with two creamish spots in between the eyes, pronotum entirely black except for the antero lateral margins which are creamish white, elytra reddish brown with black spots, ventrally entire body black except for the mesepimeron which are creamish white, newly emerged adult light yellow with faint black spot (Sharma and Adlakha, 1989). Head small, punctate, pubescent usually hidden from above by pronotum, two creamish spots present in between eyes, clypeus creamish anteriorly. Eyes large, prominent well developed, located lateral to the base of the head capsule. Antennae small, black, pubescent, 11 segmented, clavate, arising infront of the eyes between base of the mandible and eyes. Pronotum large, punctate, broad at the base and slightly narrow anteriorly, postero laterally convex but with concave anterior end. Scutellum small, black, triangular. Legs similar in shape, pubescent with 3 segmented tarsi. Elytra convex, hard, punctuate, reddish brown with 11 black spots, one being on suture, thereby 5½ spots on each elytron; elytra extends upto the tip of the abdomen, slopes gradually from suture to the outer edge and curved around the outer margin of the abdomen ventrally, antero lateral margins rounded with curved base. Abdomen small, pubescent, terga covered completely by the elytra, ventrally 6 abdominal sterna visible, 1st visible abdominal sternum has curved coxal line, a depression is present on the last abdominal sternum.

4. Halyzia Mulsant, 1846 (Plate 1, Fig. 4)
Habit and Habitat: In the area of the study this beetle was found on leaves of Poplar species, corn and in Salix species, however (Khan et al., 2006) collected it from walnut trees feeding on scale insects at altitudes of more than 1,828.80 m from Pakistan.
Distribution: Outside India recorded from Drasan, Kosht, Bang and Chitral district of Pakistan (Mohyuddin, 1981), Poonch district of azad Jammu and Kashmir (Alia, 2002) and Nepal (Canepari et al. 1997) c.f. Khan et al., (2006), Nepal (Poorani and Booth, 2006). In India recorded by Poorani and Booth, (2006), from Bharmik and Toong area of Sikkim, India (Wadhi and Prashad, 1982). In the area of the present study found from Poyen and Kurbathang at an altitudinal range of 2,636.36 m to 2,878.78 m . Besides these areas, this beetle was also collected from others places like Ackchamal and Chutak areas of Kargil district.
Diagnostic Features: Length varies from 5.0 to 5.5 mm and breadth from 3.0 to 3.5 mm. Convex and oval in shape. Colour yellowish brown with creamish white spots, pronotum with two marginal and a middle longitudinal creamish stripe, elytra yellowish brown each elytron with seven creamish white spots, abdomen yellowish brown. Head small, narrow than the thorax and partly covered over by the pronotum. Eyes prominent, well developed. Antennae small, pubescent, 11 segmented, capitate, arising infront of the eyes between clypeus and eyes; scape narrow at base with swollen apex and slightly bent towards outer side. Pronotum punctate, enlarged and covers whole of the thorax, broader at the posterior end and narrow towards the anterior end, lateral margins slightly bent upward forming depression on either side of the pronotum, posterior margin sinuate and anterior margin concave. Scutellum small, triangular. Legs similar in shape but slightly differ in size. Elytra convex, hard, punctate, yellowish brown with 7 creamish spots on each elytron, elytra extending upto the tip of the abdomen, elytral suture does not extends to the tip of the elytra and slopes gradually from suture to the outer edge and firmly covers the lateral sides of the abdomen ventrally. Abdominal terga covered completely by the elytra, ventrally 6 abdominal sterna visible, 1st abdominal sternum has curved coxal line and its posterior margin is complete, a median groove present in the last three apical segments.


5. Coelophora Mulsant, 1850 (Plate 1, Fig. 5)
Habit and Habitat: Found feeding on aphids on different weeds, unidentified wild plants from the area of study. Sharma and Adlakha, (1989) also observed it feeding on aphids.
Distribution: Outside India recorded from New Zealand (Leschen et al., 2003). In India from Indian subcontinent (Poorani, 2004), Solan, Himachal Pradesh (Sharma and Adlakha, 1989), Singhik, Rongli Chakung, Shisne and Limthang of Sikkim (Wadhi and Parshad, 1982). In the area of author reported from Goma-Kargil and Kurbathang at an altitude ranging from 2,757.57 m to 3,030.30 m.
Diagnostic Features: Length varies from 3.0 to 4.0 mm and breadth from 2.0 to 3.0 mm. However, Sharma and Adlakha (1989) observed the length of this beetle in Solan, Himachal Pradesh as 4.15±0.76 mm and breadth 3.75±0.25 mm. Convex and oval in shape. Colour black with creamish white spots on elytra, head usually black, but in some individuals anterior portion creamish, pronotum black except antero lateral and ¾th of the lateral margins which are creamish white, elytra black with creamish spots. However, Sharma and Adlakha (1989) studied Coelophora sexareata Muls. and found head and prothoracic tergum deep dark with two white spots, elytra light orange, tent like, possessing three longitudinal black streaks, two upto middle and one extending beyond also with a median transverse streak and a peripheral streak. Head small, usually hidden from above, slightly rectangular, punctuate. Eyes small, prominent well developed, positioned laterally towards the base of the head capsule. Antennae small, pubescent, 11 segmented, clavate arising infront of the eyes between lateral margin of clypeus and eyes. Pronotum punctate, enlarged, black except antero lateral and ¾th of the lateral margins which are creamish white and covers whole of the thorax, posterior margin convex, antero lateral margins protrudes anteriorly and the anterior margin concave. Scutellum small, black, triangular. Ventrally prosternum long with concave anterior margin, prosternal lobes extending backward between fore coxae, coxal cavity closed; mesosternum small; mesepimeron creamish white and triangular touching the mid coxae; metasternum large, plate like, raised with median longitudinal groove. Legs similar in shape, pubescent with 3 segmented tarsi with toothed claws. Elytra convex, hard, punctate, extending upto the tip of the abdomen, black with 6 creamish white spots on each elytron, the spots are confluent in some individuals, elytral suture does not extends to the tip of the elytra, elytra slopes gradually from suture to the outer edge and curved around the outer margin of the abdomen ventrally. Abdomen small, pubescent, covered completely by the elytra, ventrally 6 abdominal sterna visible, 1st visible abdominal sternum has curved coxal line which almost touches the posterior margin of the first abdominal segment.



Acknowledgements:
The authors are greatly indebted to Professor Baldev Sharma former Head, Department of Zoology, University of Jammu for his constant interest and encouragement in the present work. The authors are also thankful to the Head, Department of Zoology University of Jammu for providing necessary facilities to work. The authors acknowledge the help rendered by Dr. V.V. Ramamurthy, Principal Scientist, Entomology Deptt., IARI, New Delhi for the identification of the insects mentioned in the paper. The second author acknowledges gratefully Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship granted by UGC, New Delhi.

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Amazing Facts About beetles

The lady Bird beetles are the useful insects as they predate upon the insects damaging the plants by sucking their sap (Aphids). Also they can predict the weather six months in advance.(Source: Discovery channel)

Beetles

Beetles are the insects belonging to Order Coleoptera, Identified from other insects from the Hard fore wings which forms elytra. About 40% of all described insect species are beetles (about 350,000 species), and new species are frequently discovered. Beetles can be found in almost all habitats, but are not known to occur in the sea or in the polar regions. They interact with their ecosystems in several ways. They often feed on plants and fungi, break down animal and plant debris, and eat other invertebrates. Some species are prey of various animals including birds and mammals. Certain species are agricultural pests, such as the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata, the boll weevilAnthonomus grandis, the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, and the mungbean or cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus, while other species of beetles are important controls of agricultural pests. For example, beetles in the family Coccinellidae ("ladybirds" or "ladybugs") consume aphids, scale insects, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects that damage crops.

Beetles as a source of food:  More than 1,400 insects  are known to be consumed by human beings as food in 80% of the world's nations particularly in the tropics where they grow to large sizes. Beetles belonging to 24 families and 344 species are known to be used as food, usually eaten in the larval stage, Of the 24 families 50% of them belong to long horned beetles (Cerambycidae), and June, dung and rhinoceros beetles  (Scarabaeidae).