Annotated checklist of aphidophagous predators associated with Brachycaudus species (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and their distribution in India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64171/JAE.6.3.21-31Keywords:
Brachycaudus, Aphidophagous predators, Coccinellidae, Tri-trophic associations, Host plants, Biological control, IndiaAbstract
An annotated analysis of the predator complex associated with Brachycaudus species in India was conducted based on published records. A total of 47 predator species belonging to five orders and ten families were documented preying on five Brachycaudus species (including one unidentified species) infesting 29 host plant species across 11 states of India. These interactions collectively formed 112 tri-trophic associations (TTAs). Coleoptera was the dominant order, represented by 24 species of Coccinellidae, followed by Diptera (9 species), Hemiptera (7 species), Araneae (4 species), and Neuroptera (2 species). Adalia tetraspilota, Coccinella septempunctata, Propylea luteopustulata, and Hippodamia variegata were among the most widely distributed predators. Brachycaudus helichrysi supported the highest predator diversity, with 41 predator species associated with 24 host plants, forming 95 TTAs across nine states. Among host plants, peach (Prunus persica) harboured the richest predator assemblage, supporting 22 predator species, followed by almond (Prunus amygdalus) with 12 predator species. The distribution of TTAs exhibited marked geographical variation, with Uttarakhand (34 TTAs), Jammu & Kashmir (25), and Himachal Pradesh (19) together accounting for nearly 70% of all documented associations. The predominance of interactions in the Himalayan region reflects favourable climatic conditions, rich temperate flora, and extensive survey efforts. The study highlights the ecological significance of coccinellids, syrphids, anthocorids, spiders, and lacewings in the natural regulation of Brachycaudus populations and provides a comprehensive baseline for future studies on aphid biodiversity, biogeography, and conservation biological control in India.
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