The way to maturity: taxonomic study on immatures of Southern Brazilian Coccinellini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) species important in biological control

Among the predatory ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera), members of Coccinellini, predators aphids and psyllids, stand out. Although beneficial status these has been acknowledged by biological control researchers, there are no keys or detailed studies on immature stages South American Coccinellidae, especially Coccinellini. We provide descriptions illustrations immatures adults major Coccinellini species in southern Brazil along with an identification key for fourth instar larvae pupae. The following included: Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus, 1763), Eriopis connexa (Germar, 1824), Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773), Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, 1842 Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant, 1866). morphological study, which included use scanning electron microscopy, revealed new characters such as type tarsal claws, spiracles, chalazae, parascoli strumae. provided here may be useful programs.