Species richness and survival constraints of predatory ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): A review of abiotic and biotic mortality factors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64171/JAE.6.4.1-9Keywords:
Biological control, Coccinellidae, Cannibalism, Intraguild predation, Life table, ParasitoidsAbstract
Objectives: To synthesize evidence on species richness of predatory ladybird beetles and the stage-specific abiotic, biotic and management-related factors that constrain their survival, recruitment and persistence in agroecosystems.
Methods: A critical narrative review was developed from foundational and recent literature on Coccinellidae richness, temperature and moisture effects, prey-dependent performance, cannibalism, intraguild predation, predators, parasitoids, pathogens and pesticide effects. Quantitative claims were retained when attributable to specific studies.
Results: Ladybird richness represents a regional species pool rather than guaranteed biological-control capacity. Temperature, moisture and rainfall can alter development, survival, activity and disease risk. Prey limitation can reduce growth and reproduction and intensify cannibalism and intraguild predation. Parasitoids, pathogens, external predators and pesticide exposure further reduce recruitment. Recent life-table evidence identifies the first larval instar as a major mortality bottleneck in several aphidophagous species.
Conclusions: Realized biological-control function depends on sequential survival from egg to reproductive adult, not on richness alone. Field life tables, multifactor experiments and region-specific demographic studies are needed to quantify interacting mortality processes and improve conservation and deployment of predatory Coccinellidae.
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