Morphological and molecular phylogenetics of Coccinellidae

The ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are among the most species-rich families of cucujoid beetles and display a striking diversity of coloration, form, and ecology. Although this family has long been of interest for its defensive chemistry and utility in biocontrol, it has been the focus of remarkably little phylogenetic study. We perform the first combined morphological and molecular analysis of Coccinellidae, and discuss implications for subfamily- and tribe-level classification, as well as the evolution of chemical defense and ecological shifts in this intriguing and agriculturally important beetle family.