Annotated checklist of ladybugs (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with nine new country records from Cambodia

Abstract

Ladybugs (Coccinellidae) are commonly known for their beneficial roles in insect pest population suppression. Despite their importance and the limited scientific research conducted in Cambodia, the ladybug fauna needs to be documented in the country. Therefore, this study aims to establish the first checklist of Cambodian ladybug fauna including a brief taxonomic description and distribution for each species. We identified a total of 13 species based on the specimens deposited in the collection of Cambodian Entomology Initiatives. 9 of all species are newly recorded for Cambodia. Within this addition and six previously recorded species, ladybugs reached 15 species recorded from Cambodia. However, many new species are under-discovered in the country. The study provided a valuable baseline checklist for the taxonomy, diversity and ecology of ladybugs in Cambodia.