Ladybird book flies to a Whitley Commendation

“We are delighted Dr Adam Ślipiński’s book – Australian Ladybird Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): Their biology and classification – has been recognised in this way,” says CSIRO Entomology’s Chief, Dr Mark Lonsdale.

“The book, which includes wonderful images and a very useful identification key, provides a fascinating insight into Australia’s large group of ladybirds.”

“We appreciate the support from the Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) who published the book,” Dr Lonsdale says.

Cameron Slatyer, Director of ABRS, says the book is an ideal reference guide for anyone with an interest in identifying Australian ladybirds, especially those working in biocontrol or natural resource management.

Dr Ślipiński says ladybirds, or Coccinellidae, are a very successful beetle group.

“Some are leaf feeders but the majority are predators,” he says.

“It is from within this predatory group that ladybirds used as biocontrol agents – to eat pests like aphids, scale insects and mites – are found.”

Ladybirds are small, dome-shaped, colourful beetles that display a range of patterns from spots to stripes. They are generally glossy but occasionally hairy. Adults range in size from 1-10 mm.

Australian Ladybird Beetles reviews all 57 currently recognised Australian Coccinellidae genera. It looks at the 260 described species as well as some new genera and species.

ABRS is within the Federal Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

The Whitley Awards are presented annually by the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales. They have been awarded since 1979 in memory of Gilbert Whitley, an eminent Australian fish biologist. The awards are made for outstanding publications (print and electronic) on Australasian fauna. These can be technical or for a wider audience.

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