ARS | Publication request: A revision of the genus Stictobura Crotch (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Sticholotidinae) and description of a new species of Sticholotis Crotch

Submitted to: Zootaxa
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: August 15, 2011
Publication Date: September 16, 2011
Citation: Poorani, J., Vandenberg, N.J., Booth, R.G. 2011. A revision of the genus Stictobura Crotch (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Sticholotidinae) and description of a new species of Sticholotis Crotch. Zootaxa. 3031:1-13.

Interpretive Summary: Lady beetles are important predators of agricultural and forest pests. This study corrects the placement of lady beetle species native to India, describes a similar species that is new to science, and illustrates, diagnoses, and provides keys for identification of related species in India. This work provides greater stability to lady beetle classification, facilitates identification of these beneficial species, and aids agriculturalists, biological control practitioners, and ecologists in making important management decisions.

Technical Abstract: The species of Stictobura Crotch (1874) (Coccinellidae: Sticholotidinae) are revised. Stictobura gibbula (Weise, 1908) indeed belongs to Sticholotis Crotch (1874) under which it was originally described (stat. rev.) and is removed from Stictobura. Stictobura buruensis Korschefsky (1944) is transferred to Sticholotis (new combination). Lectotypes are designated for Sticholotis (Apterolotis) andrewesi Weise (1908), Sticholotis (Apterolotis) gibbula Weise (1908) and Stictobura rubroguttata Sicard (1925). The species of Stictobura are keyed and notes on biology are provided wherever available. Sticholotis magnostriata sp. n., which is externally similar to the species of Stictobura, is described from India (Assam).