Diet and chemical defence in ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

In this paper, I review the effects of diet ladybirds on chemical defence in group beetles. The tendency to reflex bleed and diversity autogenously produced alkaloids different taxa may be evolutionarily related likelihood food limitation. Within predatory species, both prey quantity quality have been shown affect autogenous alkaloid production. A few ladybird predators suggested adaptively sequester toxins from their for own defence. However, most cases evidence is limited, with questions remaining about costs accumulated defensive value, especially over above pre-existing Only a single case (Hyperaspis trifurcata carminic acid) well supported. acquiring pyrrolizidine ragwort aphid Aphis jacobaeae, show that toxin accumulation not very costly even an essential some ladybirds. value still investigated. Intraspecific could reinforced further if protection conferred via sequestered chemicals. understand better how interact, we need clearer grasp chemicals are resisted or tolerated by