Elytral polymorphism pattern in aphidophagous ladybirds, Coccinella septempunctata and Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract

We have collected and analysed variations and fusion patterns in elytral spots/stripes in the two aphidophagous ladybird beetles i.e., Coccinella septempunctata (L.) and Cheilomenes sexmaculata (F.) in the central Uttar Pradesh. Collected specimens were well-ordered according to the elytral spot fusion. Eight morphs of C. septempunctata and twelve morphs of C. sexmaculata were collected from agriculture fields and were analysed for percent melanisation and elytral spot variation. M-1 and C-1 were considered typical forms, as they were frequent throughout the year. M-9 to M-11 were more frequent during November to March and the morph M-12 was less frequent. In C. septempunctata the morphs C-4 to C-7 were more frequent. The evaluation of polymorphism may help to understand the relationships between environmental conditions and traits of organisms. To date, no studies have examined the polymorphism of these ladybirds in the central plains of Uttar Pradesh, India.