A review of the species resembling Chilocorus nigrita (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): potential agents for biological control

Abstract

AbstractChilocorus nigrita (Fabricius) is a well-known predator of scale insects. It has been widely used for biological control and has spread naturally beyond its previous native range over the last three decades or so. Three other Oriental species closely resembling C. nigrita can now be separated. Chilocorus melas Weise is redescribed and a lectotype designated. Chilocorus gressitti Miyatake is a junior synonym of C. melas. Chilocorus subindicus from the southern parts of the Indian subcontinent and C. gracilior from eastern Indonesia are described as new.