The phytophagous coccinellid in question is really an epilachninid. The current name is Henosepilachna pusillanima (Mulsant). There are few more “Epilachna 12-punctata” which are closely related and are all phytophagous not carnivorous nor predatory. H pusillanima is commonly observed feeding on solanaceous plants as well as some cucurbits in Thailand including the peninsular area adjacent to Malaysia.

Others were sent later (top righ & lower row) and it was suggested tht they be sent to Dr. J Poorani, Project Directorate on Biological Control, Post Box 2491, Hebbal, Bangalore, Karanataka, India.

Another Henosepilachna species, H cucurbitae, was identifed feeding on wild bittermelon in guam. Photos of this phytophagus ladybeetle can be seen at: gisac.guam.net/index.php/Epilachna.