Abstract

The first part of a revision of Australian Coccinellidae (Epilachninae excepted) deals with the subfamily Coccinellinae, which now includes 14 genera and 32 species. The Australian coccinellid fauna is examined in relation to that of the world as a whole and the history of its role in the field of biological control briefly reviewed. Keys to subfamilies, genera and species are given. The Coccinellinae and its included Australian genera and species are defined and available data concerning distribution and biology presented. Two new species, Illeis (Leptothea) flava and Micraspis confusa are described. Two new specific synonymies, [Orcus mollipes Olliff = Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fabricius) and Archegleis crotchi Iablokoff-Khnzorian = A. delta (Weise)], are proposed. Lemnia Mulsant [Australian species mulsanti (Montrouzier) and jansoni (Crotch)] is re-synonymised with Coelophora Mulsant and Synia Mulsant (renamed Synona, nom. nov.) is restored to full generic status. Micraspis frenata (Erichson) is resurrected as a good species, Coelophora astrolabiana Weise transferred to Phrynocaria Timberlake, and Harmonia duplicata (Crotch) is transferred to Archegleis Iablokoff-Khnzorian. Phrynocaria astrolabiana (Weise) and Coccinella undecimpunctata Linnaeus are recorded as new to Australia.