Distribution and Seasonal Occurrence of Coccinellids of Malakand Division

Abstract

The Coccinellidae ladybird beetles fauna of Malakand division was explored during 2011-14. Identification of these beetles revealed that there were 28 species under 19 genera belonging to 4 subfamilies. Subfamily Chilocorinae include 6 species belonging to 3 genera. Subfamily Coccinellinae contain 17 species in and 12 genera. In subfamily Scymninae 3 species belonging to 3 genera were found. Subfamily epilachninae contain 2 species and 2 genera. Out of 28 species Hyperaspis leechii was a new contribution to the Coccinellids fauna of Pakistan and four species Chilocorus melas, Propylea dissecta, Exochomus nigripensis and Hyperaspis leechi were new to Malakand division. Identification of the species was made on the basis of male genitalia and elytral spot pattern. Genitalia structure, host specimens, distribution maps and chart of each species were also provided. Keys to the subfamily, genera and species have been provided along with diagnostic characters and coloured plates. In DCA ordination maximum eigenvalue were recorded for axis 1 (0.28) with gradient length 1.32 indicating that the whole data set were dominated by single gradient length. The species which have maximum ordination score with axis 1 included Chilocorus circumdatus (260), Propylea dissecta (260), Hyperaspis leechi (260), Stethorus gilvifrons (260). The sample weighted mean species score were maximum for Dir lower with 132 value followed by Chitral with 85 score on axis 1. The species clustered together having strong correlation included Chilocorus circumdatus, Propylea dissecta, Hyperaspis leechi and Stethorus gilvifrons. The DCA ordination also showed that the minimum population size of Coccinellids fauna of Malakand division were recorded for the months of November, December, January and February while maximum population size were recorded for the months of September. From Dir lower a total of 27 species were recorded indicating the most suitable locality for Coccinellids fauna. The results showed that for maximum coccinellids fauna of Malakand division require high temperature, humidity and rainfall. In Malakand division the Coccinellids fauna population changes with altitude and latitude.