Predatory Lady Beetles (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) in Cereal Agrocenoses in the Northern Forest-Steppe of West Siberia and the Influence of Agrotechnical Methods on Them

Abstract

Predatory lady beetles (Coccinellidae) form one of the prevalent and effective groups of entomophages in the forest-steppe zone of West Siberia. Among 17 species of predatory lady beetles recorded in cereal agrocenoses and on bird cherry trees, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata, Coccinella septempunctata, Hippodamia tredecimpunctata, H. variegata, and H. arctica are predominant. This paper presents data on the species composition and ecological features of lady beetles in agrocenoses of winter rye, spring wheat, and oats as well as on the impact of agrotechnical methods (the main treatment of soil, application of chemicals, and forecrops) and cultivation technology on the abundance of lady beetles.