Coccinellids

Coccinellids

• Coccinellids are commonly referred to as ladybird beetles. They belong to Coccinellidae family of Coleoptera. Except for very few, the majority of coccinellid species are generally considered beneficial insects, because they predate on several insects like aphids, whiteflies, scale insects etc. In cashew plants, aphids are managed by coccinellids in an efficient manner.
• Ladybird beetles are round to elliptical with dome-shaped bodies with six short legs. Species differ in colour, patterns, and size. Some have spots, stripes, or no markings at all. Some species are yellow or deep red with black markings, while others are black, dark grey, grey or brown in colour.
• The common species recorded in cashew plantations are Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Menochilus sexmaculatus), Scymnus sp., Pseudaspidimerus flaviceps, Illeis cincta.