Illustrated Handbook of Ladybird Beetles in China | 中国瓢虫图鉴

Description:

Text Chinese with Latin names. This is a professional and comprehensive taxonomic reference work on the family Coccinellidae (ladybird beetles). Whether you are an entomology or biology professional, or simply a general reader with a curiosity about nature, this book provides a wealth of information, highlighting the importance of ladybird beetles and offering valuable insights and references for ecological conservation efforts.

Ladybird beetles are an important group of predatory insects. Many species primarily prey on agricultural pests such as whiteflies, aphids, scale insects, and spider mites, playing a significant role in regulating pest populations and maintaining ecological balance. The diversity of Coccinellidae is exceptionally rich, with 6,896 species recorded worldwide. China spans two major zoogeographical regions - the Palearctic and the Oriental regions - and likewise possesses abundant ladybird beetle resources, with 1,072 recorded species to date.

This book documents 840 species of Chinese ladybird beetles, representing 25 tribes and 93 genera within the family Coccinellidae. For each species, it provides illustrations of adult morphological characteristics and external genital structures. It also presents, for the first time, illustrated identification keys at both the tribe and genus levels.

As an illustrated taxonomic monograph, this book focuses primarily on species descriptions. The classifications at the tribe and genus levels largely follow previously established taxonomic systems, making it a practical resource for the identification of ladybird beetle species. It will serve as a valuable reference for professionals working in plant protection, forest protection, and biological control, as well as for enthusiasts of ladybird beetles.