ВИДОВОЙ СОСТАВ И ТАКСОНОМИЧЕСКОЕ РАЗНООБРАЗИЕ СЕМЕЙСТВА Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) В АГРОЭКОСИСТЕМАХ КАШКАДАРЬИНСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

УДК 595.762.12:632.7

Abstract

This study investigated the species composition and taxonomic diversity of the family Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) in the agroecosystems and reclaimed desert habitats of the Kashkadarya Region, Uzbekistan. Field surveys and entomological collections were conducted to determine the systematic composition of coccinellid beetles and to assess their distribution and taxonomic structure. A total of five subfamilies, 19 genera, 37 species, and one subspecies of Coccinellidae were recorded. The subfamily Coccinellinae was the most diverse taxonomic group, comprising 55.3% of the total species richness. The subfamilies Scymninae and Chilocorinae each accounted for 18.4% of the recorded species. In contrast, the subfamilies Coccidulinae and Epilachninae exhibited comparatively lower species diversity. Notably, Chilocorus subindicus (Booth, 1998) was recorded for the first time in the fauna of Uzbekistan. The findings provide important scientific evidence for assessing the composition of beneficial entomofauna in the region, improving biological control programs, and supporting biodiversity monitoring in agricultural landscapes.

Аннотация

В данном исследовании изучены видовой состав и таксономическое разнообразие представителей семейства Coccinellidae (Coleoptera), распространённых в агроэкосистемах и освоенных пустынных территориях Кашкадарьинской области Узбекистана. На основе полевых наблюдений и энтомологических сборов определён систематический состав кокцинеллид, проанализированы их распространение и таксономическая структура. В результате выявлены 5 подсемейств, 19 родов, 37 видов и 1 подвид семейства Coccinellidae. Наиболее богатым по числу видов оказалось подсемейство Coccinellinae, на долю которого приходится 55,3 % всех зарегистрированных видов. Подсемейства Scymninae и Chilocorinae составили по 18,4 % видового разнообразия. Для подсемейств Coccidulinae и Epilachninae характерно сравнительно низкое видовое богатство. Впервые для фауны Узбекистана зарегистрирован вид Chilocorus subindicus (Booth, 1998). Полученные результаты имеют важное значение для оценки состава полезной энтомофауны региона, совершенствования программ биологической защиты растений и мониторинга биоразнообразия агроландшафтов.

Keywords: Coccinellidae, Coleoptera, coccinellid beetles, fauna, taxonomy, biodiversity, Kashkadarya Region.

Ключевые слова: Coccinellidae, Coleoptera, кокцинеллиды, фауна, таксономия, биоразнообразие, Кашкадарьинская область.

Introduction

Ensuring global food security and increasing agricultural productivity are closely linked to maintaining the ecological sustainability of agroecosystems. One of the major factors limiting crop productivity is the damage caused by insect pests, and the development of economically efficient and environmentally sustainable pest management strategies remains a key priority in modern agricultural science [7,33].

The improvement of biological control programs requires comprehensive investigations of agroecosystem structure and a detailed understanding of the biological characteristics of beneficial entomofauna [23,20]. The family Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) represents one of the most important and widely distributed groups of beetles. Currently, more than 6,000 species belonging to approximately 360 genera have been described worldwide [27].  The taxonomy, ecology, biology, and geographical distribution of coccinellids have been extensively studied, and these beetles are recognized as essential components of both natural and anthropogenic ecosystems [24,17,9].  Although the family includes predatory, phytophagous, and mycophagous species, the majority of coccinellids are predatory insects that serve as natural enemies of numerous agricultural pests. In particular, they play a crucial role in regulating populations of aphids (Aphidoidea), scale insects (Coccoidea), whiteflies, and other phytophagous insects [13,19,16,11].   Consequently, coccinellids are widely regarded as one of the most promising groups of entomophagous insects for biological control programs.

In recent decades, the extensive use of pesticides has led to the development of insecticide resistance in many pest species. Furthermore, the adverse effects of chemical control agents on beneficial insects and the environment have increased interest in sustainable biological control approaches [5,29]. Therefore, investigations of species composition and ecological characteristics of beneficial entomophagous insects inhabiting agroecosystems have become increasingly important.

Uzbekistan is characterized by a wide diversity of natural and geographical conditions. The presence of deserts, foothills, mountain foothills, and mountainous ecosystems provides favorable habitats for the formation and distribution of diverse ecological groups of coccinellids. Previous studies conducted in Uzbekistan have documented 106 species and subspecies belonging to 25 genera of the family Coccinellidae [32]. In Southern Uzbekistan, studies by Mansurov (1970) recorded 42 entomophagous and two phytophagous species of this family and highlighted their significance in agricultural ecosystems.

The Kashkadarya Region is one of the major agricultural areas of Uzbekistan, where cotton cultivation, cereal production, horticulture, and vegetable farming are extensively developed. However, information regarding the contemporary species composition and taxonomic diversity of coccinellids in the region remains limited. Recent changes in agroecosystem structure, the expansion of irrigated agricultural lands, and the influence of climatic factors may have contributed to shifts in the composition of local entomofauna. Therefore, reassessing the species diversity of Coccinellidae and clarifying their taxonomic structure in the region are of considerable scientific and practical importance.

The aim of the present study was to determine the species composition, taxonomic structure, and biodiversity of representatives of the family Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) inhabiting the agroecosystems and reclaimed desert habitats of the Kashkadarya Region, Uzbekistan.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted in various agroecosystems and reclaimed desert habitats of the Kashkadarya Region, Uzbekistan. Entomological surveys were carried out in agricultural landscapes and natural habitats located within the districts of Guzar, Kasbi, Karshi, Nishan, Mirishkor, Chiroqchi, Kamashi, Shahrisabz, Kitab, and Yakkabag. Sampling sites included crop fields, orchards, pastures, and adjacent natural biotopes representing the principal habitat types of the region (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Location of the study area and sampling sites in the Kashkadarya Region, Uzbekistan

Insect specimens were collected using standard entomological methods following the protocols described by Fasulati (1971), Paliy (1970), and Semyanov (1984). Sampling was performed by sweep-netting vegetation, direct hand collection, and visual inspection of plants infested with phytophagous insects. For each sampling locality, geographic coordinates, elevation above sea level, and host plant associations were recorded.

Collected specimens were processed and prepared under laboratory conditions and subsequently identified based on external morphological characteristics. Species determination was conducted using contemporary taxonomic keys and systematic references for the family Coccinellidae. Species nomenclature and taxonomic status were verified using data from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), while information on species distribution was assessed through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) database.

The identified taxa were classified according to subfamilies and genera, and their taxonomic diversity was evaluated. Based on the obtained data, the species composition and systematic structure of Coccinellidae inhabiting the agroecosystems and reclaimed desert landscapes of the Kashkadarya Region were analyzed.

Results and discussion

Species Composition and Taxonomic Diversity of the Family Coccinellidae

Field surveys conducted in the agroecosystems and reclaimed desert habitats of the Kashkadarya Region revealed a rich assemblage of ladybird beetles belonging to the family Coccinellidae. A total of five subfamilies, 19 genera, 37 species, and one subspecies were recorded. The obtained results indicate a high level of taxonomic diversity of coccinellids within the study area.

Among the identified taxa, Chilocorus subindicus (Booth, 1998) was recorded for the first time from Uzbekistan, representing a new addition to the national fauna. Members of the genus Chilocorus are recognized as effective natural enemies of scale insects and other sap-sucking pests and are widely utilized in biological control programs [25,6].  The number of species documented in the present study generally corresponds to the data reported by Mansurov (1970), who recorded 42 entomophagous and two phytophagous species in Southern Uzbekistan. However, differences were observed in the composition and occurrence frequency of several taxa.

The complete taxonomic composition of the recorded species is presented in Table 1. The identified taxa were distributed among five subfamilies, with Coccinellinae representing the most species-rich group. This subfamily comprised 13 genera and 21 species. The subfamily Scymninae included seven species belonging to two genera, while Chilocorinae was represented by seven species belonging to two genera. In contrast, Coccidulinae and Epilachninae showed relatively low diversity, comprising two species in one genus and one species in one genus, respectively (Table 1).

Table 1. Taxonomic composition of the family Coccinellidae recorded in the Kashkadarya Region

Analysis of taxonomic diversity at the subfamily level demonstrated the clear dominance of Coccinellinae. This subfamily accounted for 68.42% of all recorded genera and 55.26% of the total species richness. The subfamilies Scymninae and Chilocorinae each contributed 18.4% of the recorded species. In contrast, Coccidulinae and Epilachninae were represented by comparatively few taxa (Table 2).

Table 2. Taxonomic structure of the Coccinellidae subfamilies recorded in the Kashkadarya Region

Graphical analysis of species distribution among subfamilies further confirmed the dominance of Coccinellinae (Figure 2). The high proportion of species belonging to this subfamily indicates the widespread occurrence of predatory coccinellids within the study area and highlights their important role in maintaining the ecological stability of agroecosystems.

Figure 2. Distribution of Coccinellidae species among subfamilies in the Kashkadarya Region

Within the subfamily Coccinellinae, representatives of the genera Adalia, Hippodamia, Coccinella, Oenopia, Calvia, Propylea, Anisosticta, Platynaspis, Psyllobora, Vibidia, and Halyzia were recorded. Among these genera, Adalia, Hippodamia, and Coccinella exhibited comparatively high species richness.

The subfamily Scymninae was primarily represented by species of the genera Scymnus and Stethorus. These species were widely distributed in orchards, alfalfa fields, and natural grassland habitats. Members of the subfamily Chilocorinae were represented mainly by the genera Chilocorus and Exochomus. The discovery of Chilocorus subindicus is of particular significance, as it represents the first confirmed record of this species in Uzbekistan.

At the genus level, the highest species richness was observed in Scymnus. In addition, the genera Adalia, Hippodamia, Oenopia, Calvia, and Chilocorus constituted important components of the regional coccinellid fauna. Although several genera were represented by only a single species, they nevertheless contribute substantially to the overall biodiversity of agroecosystems.

Overall, the taxonomic structure of the family Coccinellidae in the Kashkadarya Region demonstrates a high diversity of beneficial entomophagous insects within the agroecosystems of Southern Uzbekistan. The predominance of representatives belonging to the subfamilies Coccinellinae, Scymninae, and Chilocorinae confirms their ecological importance and highlights their potential role as effective biological control agents in regional agricultural systems.

Representatives of the family Coccinellidae constitute an important group of entomophagous insects that play a significant role in regulating pest populations in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Consequently, investigations of their species composition and taxonomic structure are essential for improving biological control strategies and assessing the ecological stability of agroecosystems [30,25,10]. The taxonomic composition revealed in the present study indicates that the agroecosystems of the Kashkadarya Region provide favorable habitats for coccinellid beetles. The dominance of the subfamily Coccinellinae observed in the study area is consistent with the results of faunistic investigations conducted in other regions. Similar patterns have been reported from the Bukhara Oasis [12].  The Hissar Valley (Ataeva, 1972), and southwestern Tajikistan [33].  Studies conducted in Pakistan, Iran, and other parts of Central Asia have likewise demonstrated that members of Coccinellinae occupy a leading position in terms of species richness and ecological adaptability [19,23].  This pattern can be attributed to the broad ecological tolerance of species within this subfamily and their ability to exploit a wide range of prey resources.

The relatively high diversity of the subfamilies Scymninae and Chilocorinae suggests the presence of abundant food resources, including scale insects, aphids, and other small phytophagous insects, within the agroecosystems of the region. In particular, species belonging to the genera Scymnus, Stethorus, Chilocorus, and Exochomus are recognized as effective natural enemies of numerous agricultural pests. Consequently, these taxa represent important components of biological control systems in agricultural landscapes [16,11]. One of the most significant findings of the present study was the first record of Chilocorus subindicus (Booth, 1998) for the fauna of Uzbekistan. Recent advances in the molecular and morphological systematics of Coccinellidae have led to the reassessment of the geographic distribution and taxonomic status of many species [9,28]. The discovery of C. subindicus indicates that certain components of the coccinellid fauna of the Kashkadarya Region remain insufficiently explored and highlights the necessity for further faunistic and taxonomic investigations.

The natural and geographical diversity of the Kashkadarya Region, including desert, foothill, and mountain foothill landscapes, together with the heterogeneity of its agroecosystems, appears to be one of the primary factors contributing to the high species richness of coccinellids. The diversity of prey resources available across different habitat types supports the persistence of stable populations of beneficial entomophagous insects. In this regard, the results of the present study are consistent with findings from other semi-arid regions, where habitat heterogeneity has been identified as a key driver of insect biodiversity [22].  Numerous studies have demonstrated that structurally complex landscapes and diversified agroecosystems promote both species richness and abundance of beneficial entomophagous insects [4,21].

From an applied perspective, the occurrence of species belonging to the genera Coccinella, Adalia, Hippodamia, Oenopia, Scymnus, and Chilocorus is of particular importance. Species within these genera are among the most effective natural enemies of economically important agricultural pests and are widely utilized in integrated pest management (IPM) programs worldwide [29]. Therefore, the conservation and enhancement of their natural populations within agroecosystems may significantly improve the effectiveness of biological control measures.

In addition to their role as biological control agents, coccinellids are considered valuable bioindicators. Changes in their species composition and community structure can provide important information regarding the ecological condition and environmental quality of agroecosystems [1]. Overall, the findings of the present study demonstrate that the agroecosystems of the Kashkadarya Region support a high level of taxonomic diversity within the family Coccinellidae. These results contribute to the inventory of regional entomofauna and provide an important scientific basis for biodiversity monitoring, conservation of beneficial insects, and the development of ecologically sustainable biological control programs.

Conclusions

Surveys conducted in the agroecosystems and reclaimed desert habitats of the Kashkadarya Region revealed a high level of taxonomic diversity within the family Coccinellidae. A total of five subfamilies, 19 genera, and 38 taxa were recorded, indicating that the region represents an important habitat for beneficial entomophagous insects.

The results demonstrated the dominance of the subfamily Coccinellinae within regional agroecosystems, while members of Scymninae and Chilocorinae also constituted major components of the entomophagous complex. This confirms the significant ecological role of these groups in the natural regulation of agricultural pest populations.

The discovery of Chilocorus subindicus (Booth, 1998) as a new record for the fauna of Uzbekistan expands current knowledge of the country's coccinellid diversity and highlights the need for continued faunistic and taxonomic investigations in the region.

The obtained results provide an important scientific basis for assessing the biodiversity of beneficial entomophagous insects, improving biological control programs, and developing long-term monitoring strategies aimed at maintaining ecological stability in the agroecosystems of the Kashkadarya Region.

References:

1. Andersen A.N. My bioindicator or yours? Making the selection // Journal of Insect Conservation. – 1999. – Vol. 3. – P. 61–64.
2. Ataeva M.A. [On the fauna of coccinellids (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) of cotton-alfalfa fields of the Hissar Valley (Tajikistan)] // Voprosy zoologii Tadzhikistana. – 1972. – P. 147–150. (In Russ.)
3. Booth R.G. Chilocorus subindicus species description. – 1998.
4. Burgio G., Ferrari R., Boriani L., Pozzati M., Van Lenteren J. The role of ecological infrastructures on Coccinellidae and other predators in weedy field margins within northern Italy agroecosystems // Bulletin of Insectology. – 2006. – Vol. 59. – No. 1. – P. 59–67.
5. Carvalho F.P. Pesticides, environment, and food safety // Food and Energy Security. – 2017. – Vol. 6. – No. 2. – P. 48–60.
6. Drea J.J., Gordon R.D. Predators: Coccinellidae // The Armored Scale Insects, Their Biology, Natural Enemies and Control. – Elsevier, 1990. – P. 19–40.
7. FAO. The State of Food and Agriculture. – Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization, 2023.
8. Fasulati K.K. [Field study of invertebrate insects]. – Moscow, 1971. (In Russ.)
9. Giorgi J.A., Vandenberg N.J., McHugh J.V., Forrester J.A., Slipinski A., Miller K.B., Shapiro L.R., Whiting M.F. The evolution of food preferences in Coccinellidae // Biological Control. – 2009. – Vol. 51. – P. 215–231.
10. Hamrayev Sh.A., Nasriddinov K. [Biological protection of plants]. – Tashkent, 2003. (In Uzbek.)
11. Hodek I., Van Emden H.F., Honek A. Ecology and Behaviour of the Ladybird Beetles (Coccinellidae). – Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012.
12. Jabborova O.I., Sharipova F.S., Xudoyberdiyeva M.O. [Bioecology of coccinellids of Bukhara region] // Zoological Science of Uzbekistan: Modern Problems and Prospects of Development. – 2019. – P. 133–135. (In Uzbek.)
13. Khan M.R., Sheikh M.K., Rafi M.A., Sharif A. Predatory coccinellid fauna of Sudhnuti District, Azad Jammu and Kashmir // Pakistan Journal of Entomology. – 1999. – Vol. 14. – P. 5–7.
14. Mansurov A.K. Ecology and economic importance of Coccinellidae of Southern Uzbekistan // Pests of Cotton and Their Entomophages in Uzbekistan. – 1970. – P. 101–114.
15. Obrycki J.J., Kring T.J. Predaceous Coccinellidae in biological control // Annual Review of Entomology. – 1998. – Vol. 43. – P. 295–321.
16. Obrycki J.J., Harwood J.D., Kring T.J., O’Neil R.J. Aphidophagy by Coccinellidae: application of biological control // Biological Control. – 2009. – Vol. 51. – P. 244–254.
17. Pang H., Ślipiński A. Taxonomy and phylogeny of the family Coccinellidae // Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. – 1995. – Vol. 115. – P. 365–390.
18. Paliy V.F. [Methods for studying insect fauna and phenology]. – Voronezh, 1970. (In Russ.)
19. Rafi M.A., Irshad M., Inayatullah M. Predatory Ladybird Beetles of Pakistan. – Islamabad, 2005.
20. Romanov D.A. Parasitoids of the Asian ladybird Harmonia axyridis // Russian Journal of Biological Invasions. – 2018. – Vol. 4. – P. 65–86.
21. Rossing W.A.H., Poehling H.M., Burgio G. Landscape Management for Functional Biodiversity // IOBC/WPRS Bulletin. – 2003. – Vol. 26. – No. 4. – P. 1–220.
22. Roy H.E., Brown P.M.J., Adriaens T. et al. The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis: global perspectives on invasion history and ecology // Biological Invasions. – 2016. – Vol. 18. – P. 997–1044.
23. Saeed K., Khattak K.K., Naz F. et al. Genus Coccinella (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) from District Buner, Pakistan // Entomology, Ornithology & Herpetology. – 2016. – Vol. 5. – P. 1–9.
24. Sasaji H. Phylogeny of the family Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) // Etizenia. – 1968. – Vol. 35. – P. 1–37.
25. Savoyskaya G.I. [Use of predatory ladybird beetles in the biological control of agricultural pests]. – Moscow, 1981. (In Russ.)
26. Semyanov V.P. [On methods of accounting for coccinellids, their parasites, pathogens and predators] // Biological Method of Plant Protection. – 1984. – P. 71–73. (In Russ.)
27. Ślipiński A. Australian Ladybird Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): Their Biology and Classification. – Canberra, 2007.
28. Tomaszewska W., Ślipiński A. Coccinellidae // Handbook of Zoology. Coleoptera. – 2010.
29. van Lenteren J.C., Bolckmans K., Köhl J., Ravensberg W.J., Urbaneja A. Biological control using invertebrates and microorganisms // BioControl. – 2018. – Vol. 63. – P. 39–59.
30. Yakhontov V.V. [On the biology of ladybird beetles and experiments on their use against cotton and alfalfa pests] // Proceedings of the Institute of Botany and Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbek SSR. – 1960. – Vol. 3. – P. 31–37. (In Russ.)
31. Yakhontov V.V. [Useful and harmful insects of Uzbekistan]. – Tashkent, 1960. (In Russ.)
32. Xakimov F.R. [Ecological features of ladybird beetles (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) under irrigated conditions of the Hissar Valley: PhD thesis abstract]. – 2011. (In Russ.)
33. Xakimov F.R. Belt-landscape distribution of Coccinellidae in Southwestern Tajikistan // Eurasian Entomological Journal. – 2019. – Vol. 18. – No. 2. – P. 79–83.