Coccinellids
- Coccinellids are commonly referred as lady bird beetles. They belong to Coccinellidae family of Coleoptera. Except very few, majority of coccinellid species are generally considered as beneficial insects, because they predate on several insects like aphids, whiteflies, scale insects etc. In cashew, aphids are being managed by coccinellids in an efficient manner.
- Lady bird beetles are round to elliptical with dome-shaped bodies with six short legs. Species differ in colour, patterns and size. Some have spots, stripes, or no markings at all. Some species are yellow or deep red with black markings, while others are black, dark grey, grey or brown in colour.
- The common species recorded in cashew plantations are Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Menochilus sexmaculatus), Scymnus sp., Pseudaspidimerus flaviceps, Illeis cincta.