A catalogue of tri-trophic associations of arthropod predators of aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) in different districts of Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

The study presents a comprehensive synthesis of aphidophagous predator diversity and their tri-trophic associations (predator–aphid–host plant) across the agroecological zones of Himachal Pradesh. A total of 85 predator species, encompassing various arthropod taxa, were documented preying on 73 aphid species infesting 75 host plants, forming 378 distinct associations across 10 districts. Among the insect predators, Coccinellidae emerged as the most dominant group (39 species, 218 associations), followed by Syrphidae (22 species, 113 associations) and Neuroptera (7 species, 21 associations). Generalist species such as Coccinella septempunctata, Episyrphus balteatus, and Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi displayed wide prey ranges and broad geographical distributions, indicating their ecological versatility and significance in aphid suppression. Non-insect predators, particularly spiders (16 species across nine families), contributed 27 tri-trophic associations from six districts, with Thomisidae being the most species-rich family. Spatially, Solan, Kangra, and Shimla districts supported the highest number of associations, reflecting their diverse cropping systems and favourable climatic conditions. High-altitude regions such as Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti also harboured notable predator diversity, demonstrating the adaptability of aphidophagous guilds to extreme environments. Overall, the findings reveal a highly structured and ecologically resilient predator community, dominated by generalist taxa that function across diverse habitats and elevations. This dataset provides crucial baseline information for biodiversity conservation. It highlights the potential of native aphidophagous predators in developing sustainable, region-specific Integrated Pest Management strategies for the temperate and sub-temperate agroecosystems of Himachal Pradesh.