Abstract:
The coccinellid ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae; Coleoptera) fauna of Gilgit-
Baltistan was explored during present study. The taxonomic study of the
collected beetles revealed twenty nine (29) species of coccinellid beetles in
eighteen (18) genera and four (04) subfamilies from the province of Gilgit-
Baltistan. Subfamily Chilocorinae represents four (04) species, subfamily
Coccinellinae eighteen (18) species, subfamily Epilachninae three (03) species
and subfamily Scymninae four (04) species. Among these, seventeen (17)
species are new records for the study area including five (05) new records to
Pakistan. The newly recorded species from Pakistan are; Exochomus
nigromaculatus, Priscibrumus trijunctus, Coccinella iranica, C. redemita and
Hippodamia apicalis. The remaining species include, Chilocorus infernalis,
Platynaspidius saundersi, Adalia tetraspilota, Aiolocaria hexaspilota, Calvia
punctata,
Menochilus
transversoguttata,
sexmaculatus,
Harmonia
dimidiata,
Coccinella
Hippodamia
septempunctata,
variegata,
C.
Oenopia
conglobata, O. oncina, O. sauzeti, Propylea dissecta, P. japonica, P.
quaturodecimpunctata, Macroilleis hauseri, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata,
Afidentula bisquadripunctata, A. manderstjarnae, Scymnus nubilus, S. posticalis,
Stethorus gilvifrons and S. pauperculus. Keys to subfamilies and genera are
provided. Diagnostic characters of each species are given along with genitalia
description. Coloured plates of adult specimens and genitalia structure are
given in this research work. Remarks pertaining to taxonomic discussion,
history, taxon status, host, habitat and regional record are given for each
species. Distribution maps of the species occurring in the region are provided.
