Studies on Morphological Variation in the Ladybird Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Abdominal Segments in Ventral View

Abstract

The present study highlights the Morphological Variation in the Ladybird Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Coccinellidae abdomen consists 1^st to 8^th or 1^st to 9th segments where is 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd segments are invisible. Only 4^th to 8^th in the male or 4^th to 9^th in the female ventral segments is clearly visible in the ladybird beetles abdomen. Coccinellids abdomen has a great role for oviposition and mimicry behavior for predator. Their segments are more heavily chitinized and flexibly connected to each other and last two segments carrying tarsi or hair. The first abdominal segment is well evaluated and significantly different in each species. Abdominal shape, size and color are representing strong morphological characters in different species of Coccinellids. In their behavioral activity abdomens shape, size, color and hairs may carry seasonal variation for finding odors or honeydew in their host-plant for complete reproduction. The study showed that, different species of Coccinellidae family members have own unique shape and size which are their morphological character. Same time their abdominal color variation also has a big role of different species characters.