Ladybirds

ROY, H.E.; BROWN, P.M.J.; COMONT, R.; POLAND, R.L. & J.J. SLOGGETT (2013) Ladybirds. 2nd edition, Naturalists' Handbooks 10. Ecology and identification, Pelagic Publishing (www.pelagicpublishing.com), Exeter. Revised from Majerus and Kearns (1989). With illustrations by Sophie Allington & Chris Shields, vi + 142 pp. + 12 colour plates (ISBN-10: 978-1-907807 (paperback); ISBN-13: 978-1-907807-37-4 (eBook)).
Abstract
This revised and updated edition of Ladybirds provides a succinct but comprehensive and accessible overview of the biology of ladybirds and their parasites, focusing on ecology in an evolutionary context. It provides the latest information, coverage of recent additions to the British list including the harlequin ladybird. The authors make suggestions for further research, both short and long term, highlighting gaps in knowledge and showing readers how to get involved with recording and studying ladybirds. It includes updated keys for the identification of ladybirds al late-instar larval and adult stages, and techniques for studying ladybirds and their parasites in both laboratory and field. The authors hope that this book will be a valuable resource, not only for students, from school to university and beyond, but also for anyone with an interest in natural history, whether professional or recreational.
Naturalists’ Handbooks encourage and enable those interested in natural history to undertake field study, make accurate identifications and to make original contributions to research.
Contents
Editors' preface iv
Acknowledgements v
1 Introduction 1
2 Life history 5
3 Ladybirds in their environment 15
4 Ladybirds and their natural enemies 30
5 Variation in ladybirds 42
6 Population and evolutionary biology 56
7 Ladybird distribution 74
8 Identification of British ladybirds 85
I: Field key to adult British ladybirds 85
II: Key to all the adult British Coccinellidae 94
III: Field key to the larvae of British ladybirds 106
9 Study te…