Activity Of Carabid Beetles Research Articles

Spatial distribution of insect indicator taxa as a basis for peat bog conservation planning

Peat bogs are highly endangered ecosystems worldwide. In the Western Balkans, they represent fragmented habitat patches, where insect diversity and implications for the habitat loss are poorly known. Carabid beetles and ants, widely used environmental indicators, were sampled by pitfall trapping in the largest and oldest Croatian peat bog and at its edges. We found that tyrphobiontic—bog specialist—species were absent in both taxonomic groups, which is likely due to biogeographical limitation for dispersal of these species into this region. With this study, tyrphophilous—typical of bogs—species have been recognised as environmental indicators in the Western Balkans peat bogs. Assemblages of both taxa were strongly affected by specific conditions in the peat bog – high soil moisture and Sphagnum moss dominance, showing that edges are more favourable habitats for both taxa. Overall, carabid beetle activity density was significantly higher at the edge than at the peat bog, while species richness increased for both taxa at the edge, but not significantly. Spatial distribution of tyrphophilous species differed between studied taxa, with ants being more abundant in the peat bog, and carabid beetles at the edge. Additionally, some stenotopic and globally endangered species preferred edges. Occurrence of tyrphophilous and globally endangered species highlights the great conservation value of peat bog habitats in the Western Balkans. However, successional changes in vegetation are changing hydrological conditions of the peat bog. Here we suggest active conservation measures to preserve these unique soil invertebrate zoocoenoses.

Taxon specific response of carabids (Coleoptera, Carabidae) and other soil invertebrate taxa on invasive plant Amorpha fruticosa in wetlands

False indigo (Amorpha fruticosa L.) is an invasive exotic plant introduced to Europe in the early eighteenth century. Its spread has been rapid, particularly in disturbed wetland habitats, where it forms dense impermeable monospecific stands and modifies habitat conditions. The impact of A. fruticosa on native plant communities has been well analyzed, however knowledge concerning the possible effects on soil invertebrates and particularly carabid beetles is completely lacking. This study analyzed the impact of an A. fruticosa invasion on carabid beetles and other soil invertebrates. Soil fauna was sampled by pitfall traps at natural habitats, initially colonized by A. fruticosa, and habitats largely invaded by A. fruticosa. In total 2,613 carabid beetles belonging to 50 species and 72,166 soil invertebrates were collected. The invasion of A. fruticosa strongly affected the carabid beetle species composition, which clearly differed between all studied sites. Widespread euritopic carabid beetle species showed positive responses to A. fruticosa invasion, while the activity density of open habitat species strongly declined. Mean individual biomass was significantly higher at invaded sites due to increased incidence of large carabids (genus Carabus Linne, 1758). Carabid beetle activity density and abundance of soil invertebrates were considerably higher at invaded sites than in natural sites. Conversely, the impact of A. fruticosa on carabid beetle species richness and diversity was less pronounced, most likely due to immigration from adjacent habitats. Changes in carabid beetle species composition and abundance of soil invertebrates were most likely due to changes in vegetation structure and microclimate. The results suggest that A. fruticosa invasion considerably affected carabid beetles, an insect group that is only indirectly related to plant composition. Therefore, severe future changes can be expected in invertebrate groups that are closely related to plant composition, since A. fruticosa cannot be completely removed from the habitat and covers relatively large areas.

Evaluation of Carabid Beetle Diversity in Different Bioenergy Cropping Systems

Changes in agricultural land use as a consequence of an increased demand of energy crops have resulted in an increase of maize cropped area in many regions of Germany. The focus on maize as main biogas substrate, has led in some cases to negative ecological and environmental impacts, such as a loss of agro biodiversity reflected in a loss of field flora and fauna biodiversity. The present paper deals with the evaluation of the fauna in different bioenergy cropping systems on two sites in South-West Germany, with a special focus on the species richness of carabid beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) assemblages as an indicator for the general status of diversity. A maize field, an agroforestry system with maize and different tree species as well as different alternative biogas crops (amaranth, sunflower) was investigated for their carabid beetle activity, density, and species richness using pitfall traps. Moreover, for an adequate evaluation of the carabid assemblages different common diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener diversity (H’), Simpson diversity (D) and Evenness (J’)) were used. In the case of the maize field on both field edges 8 and 6 carabid beetle species, respectively were trapped, while in the field centre 2 carabid beetle species were trapped. The agroforestry system indicated slightly higher crabid beetle species richness close to the tree strips. The investigation of alternative biogas crops showed no significant differences in carabid beetle diversity. Overall, the results of the different studies showed, that biodiversity of bioenergy cropping systems could be enhanced by the creation of refuge areas for carabid beetles or other animals. Refuges could be either field margins with grass and hedgerows or strips of more extensively used perennial energy crops across the field.

Carabid beetle communities after 18 years of conservation tillage and crop rotation in a cool humid climate

AbstractAgricultural practices affect the biotic and abiotic conditions that determine food and shelter for carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae). We hypothesised that carabid communities would respond differently to 18 years of contrasted cropping practices in cereal-based rotations. We measured the effects of tillage (MP: moldboard plough; CP: chisel plough; NT: no-till) and previous crop sequence (cereal monoculture versus cereal–forage/cereal–oilseed rotation) on carabid beetle activity density, diversity, and community structure in corn (Zea mays Linnaeus, Poaceae) at La Pocatière, Québec, Canada. Carabid beetles were sampled monthly from May to September 2006, using pitfall traps. Although 19 carabid species were observed, assemblages were dominated by Harpalus rufipes (De Geer), particularly in the second half of the season. Multivariate analyses indicated a strong affinity of carabid species for the NT treatment throughout the season. Crop sequence and tillage had no effect on diversity (Shannon's H′ ≤ 1.3) and evenness of carabid assemblage, but species richness and activity density were greater in NT than in tilled systems. Peak activity density of dominant species occurred at different times during the season, generally in accordance with preferred breeding season. Many species had greater activity density in NT than in tilled treatments. Because of their granivorous feeding habit, carabid populations such as that of H. rufipes could be an important asset to NT, given the limited weed management options available for this system.

Significantly Higher Carabid Beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Catch in Conventionally than in Organically Managed Christmas Tree Plantations

Abstract Carabid beetles play an important role as consumers of pest organisms in forestry and agriculture. Application of pesticides may negatively affect abundance and activity of carabid beetles, thus reducing their potential beneficial effect. We investigated how abundance and diversity of pitfall trapped carabid beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) varied between conventionally and organically managed Caucasian Fir (Abies nordmanniana (Stev.)) plantations, in northern Zealand, Denmark. We recorded significantly higher numbers of carabid beetle specimens and species at conventionally than at organically managed sites. Carabid beetle abundance and richness did not decline more between two sampling periods at sites with pesticide application than at unamended sites. Apparently, the amount of bare ground, which dominated in the conventionally managed, herbicide treated sites, correlated closely with the number of recorded carabid beetle specimens. Thus we attribute the higher catch at the conventionally manag...

Effects of agri-environment management for stone curlews on other biodiversity

Two-hectare unsown, tilled fallow plots put in place under agri-environment schemes for stone curlews Burhinus oedicnemus in England were surveyed for other bird species, brown hares Lepus europaeus, carabid beetles, vascular plants, butterflies and bumblebees. The results were compared with those from surveys within the crop in the same field and in neighbouring fields. This was done to test whether agri-environment management targeted at a single species also provided benefits to wider biodiversity. All groups except carabid beetles were more abundant, more likely to be recorded, or more species rich on plots than within the crop. Carabid beetle activity–density and species richness did not differ between the plot and the crop; activity–density of one functional group (predators) was lower on plots than in the crop. Six rare arable plant species were recorded, predominantly from plots, and the plots are considered to perform comparably to other agri-environment options available in England designed specifically for arable plants. One red-listed bird species of conservation concern (skylark Alauda arvensis) was more abundant on plots than in the crop, and three other red-listed species (linnet Carduelis cannabina, yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, corn bunting E. calandra) were more likely to be recorded on plots than in the crop. A fifth (lapwing Vanellus vanellus) was almost exclusively recorded from plots, and was more likely to be recorded on plots categorised as in good condition for stone curlews. These results demonstrate that fallow plots that have been put in place for the recovery of stone curlews have considerable value for a range of other farmland biodiversity, although management for stone curlews may be detrimental to some taxa, such as carabid beetles, that are sensitive to the relatively frequent spring tillage that these plots receive.

Habitat associations and seasonal activity of carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Dongling Mountain, North China

Habitat distribution and seasonal occurrence of carabid beetles were determined using pitfall traps in 1999 and 2000 in the temperate forest zone of the Dongling Mountain, North China. Eight sites differing in vegetation and moisture were selected so as to represent four habitat types. Carabid assemblages of the six forested habitats (lowland, upland and coppice) weremore similar to each other than to the two shrub assemblages. Lowland forest had the highest species richness, and coppice forest had the highest diversity (H’) and equitability (J). Of the 41 species caught, the 18 most abundant species were divided into four distribution types: habitat generalists, forest generalists, forest specialists, and shrub (or coppice) specialists. Mean catches of all beetles showed clear peaks from May to August in nearly all habitats. The catches of the six most abundant species were more or less positively correlated during the two study years, suggesting their similar habitat preferences.

The influence of yellow lupin intercropped with spring triticale on predatory carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Intercropping may have a positive effect on the abundance and activity of carabid beetles and therefore their response to intercropping yellow lupin with spring triticale was studied for a period of three years (2001-2003). Carabids were most numerous in yellow lupin monoculture and in the intercrop with the highest proportion of lupin. Important differences between the experimental treatments were found, but they were mostly non-significant because of the great variation between samples. It is supposed that the positive effect of lupin on carabid beetles was due to the shelter it provides. During the three-year study 59 species of carabid beetles were recorded. The most abundant species in each treatment was Pseudoophonus rufipes. Irrespective of the experimental treatment, this species was caught in the greatest numbers towards the end of each growing season. This was probably because of the greater soil coverage provided by the larger lupin plants at the end of the season.

Nontarget Arthropod Abundance in Areawide-Managed Corn Habitats Treated with Semiochemical-Based Bait Insecticide for Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Control

Impacts of semiochemical-based insecticidal bait applications on beneficial arthropod groups common to field corn, Zea mays L., habitats were assessed in areawide-managed field sites in South Dakota and Iowa during 1997 and 1998. Slam, a commercial bait formulation comprised of 87% cucurbitacin and 13% carbaryl insecticide, was used for management of adult rootworm, Diabrotica spp., and controls consisted of cornfield habitats without bait applications. Effects on beneficial organisms were variable, and negative impacts were infrequent. Coccinellidae, Staphylinidae, and Anthocoridae were usually more abundant in bait-treated plots than in controls that received at-plant soil insecticides, especially by 4 wk postapplication. Carabid beetle activity also had increased in bait-treated corn by proportionally greater rates than in control plots at 4 wk postapplication in two of the four site by year combinations in this study. Impacts of semiochemical-based adulticide applications on Formicidae were not consistently negative or positive. The relative lack of consistent negative impacts on nontarget arthropods suggests that other biotic and abiotic factors leading to natural population fluxes may have more influence on these groups of beneficial organisms than applications of semiochemical-based bait containing carbaryl. Overall, it seems that areawide applications of these baits for managing rootworm populations in corn are not likely to impose deleterious effects on the nontarget faunal groups we surveyed, especially in comparison with the at-plant applications of soil insecticides used as experimental controls in this study.

Nontarget Arthropod Abundance in Areawide-Managed Corn Habitats Treated with Semiochemical-Based Bait Insecticide for Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Control

Impacts of semiochemical-based insecticidal bait applications on beneficial arthropod groups common to field corn, Zea mays L., habitats were assessed in areawide-managed field sites in South Dakota and Iowa during 1997 and 1998. Slam, a commercial bait formulation comprised of 87% cucurbitacin and 13% carbaryl insecticide, was used for management of adult rootworm, Diabrotica spp., and controls consisted of cornfield habitats without bait applications. Effects on beneficial organisms were variable, and negative impacts were infrequent. Coccinellidae, Staphylinidae, and Anthocoridae were usually more abundant in bait-treated plots than in controls that received at-plant soil insecticides, especially by 4 wk postapplication. Carabid beetle activity also had increased in bait-treated corn by proportionally greater rates than in control plots at 4 wk postapplication in two of the four site by year combinations in this study. Impacts of semiochemical-based adulticide applications on Formicidae were not consistently negative or positive. The relative lack of consistent negative impacts on nontarget arthropods suggests that other biotic and abiotic factors leading to natural population fluxes may have more influence on these groups of beneficial organisms than applications of semiochemical-based bait containing carbaryl. Overall, it seems that areawide applications of these baits for managing rootworm populations in corn are not likely to impose deleterious effects on the nontarget faunal groups we surveyed, especially in comparison with the at-plant applications of soil insecticides used as experimental controls in this study.

Effects of vegetable production system on epigeal arthropod populations

Populations of epigeal arthropods were monitored in vegetable production systems under varying degrees of sustainable agricultural practices in Fletcher, NC (USA). Two tillage types (conventional plow and disk, strip-tillage (ST)), two input approaches (chemically based, biologically based) and two cropping schedules (continuous tomato Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.], 3-year rotation of sweet corn [ Zea mays L.]/cabbage [ Brassica oleracea L.], cucumber [ Cucumis sativus L.]/cabbage and tomato) were employed from 1995–1998. A second study with tomatoes was performed in 1997–1998 to separate effects of pesticide use, intercropping and herbicide application. Pitfall traps (48-h sample period) were used at ∼25-day intervals to monitor relative activity of carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), staphylinid (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) beetles and lycosid spiders (Araneidae: Lycosidae). Carabids and lycosids appeared to be more active in systems with ground cover. Trap catches of carabid species were not significantly affected by insecticide input, but trap catches of lycosids were lower in plots with conventional insecticide use. No consistent effect of tillage was found over time, although Scarites spp. were more active in minimally disturbed habitats in 1998. Two distinct patterns of seasonal activity were observed for carabid beetles and lycosid spiders. Ground cover generally enhanced abundance of carabids and lycosids, while tillage type, pesticide use and crop rotation had different effects.

Numerical responses of different trophic groups of invertebrates to manipulations of plant diversity in grasslands

We studied the effects of plant diversity on abundance of invertebrate herbivores, parasitoids and predators in two grassland communities (one in Switzerland and one in Sweden) in which plant species richness and functional diversity have been experimentally manipulated. Among herbivores, the abundance of only the most sessile and specialised groups (leafhoppers and wingless aphids) was affected by plant diversity. At both sites, numbers of leafhoppers in sweep net samples showed a linear, negative relationship with plant species number whereas numbers of wingless aphids in suction samples increased with the number of plant functional groups (grasses, legumes, and non-legume forbs) present in the plot. Activity of carabid beetles and spiders (as revealed by pitfall catches) and the total number of predators in pitfalls at the Swiss site decreased linearly with increases in the number of plant species and plant functional groups. Abundance of more specialised enemies, hymenopteran parasitoids, was not affected by the manipulations of plant diversity. Path analysis and analysis of covariance indicated that plant diversity effects on invertebrate abundance were mostly indirect and mediated by changes in plant biomass and cover. At both sites, plant species composition (i.e. the identity of plant species in a mixture) affected numbers of most of the examined groups of invertebrates and was, therefore, a more important determinant of invertebrate abundance in grasslands than plant species richness per se or the number of plant functional groups. The presence of legumes in a mixture was especially important and led to higher numbers of most invertebrate groups. The similarity of invertebrate responses to plant diversity at the two study sites indicates that general patterns in abundance of different trophic groups can be detected across plant diversity gradients under different environmental conditions.

Effects of cereal headland treatments on the abundance and movements of three species of carabid beetles

The abundance and activity of carabid beetles in the headlands of cereal fields in the Breckland ESA, England, were monitored using pitfall traps and directional barrier traps. Uncropped wildlife strips were 6 m wide headlands left unsown and unsprayed but rotovated in autumn. Early the following spring they had significantly less vegetation than fully-sprayed headlands planted with winter wheat. Pterostichus melanarius was more common in the open field than in either headland treatment. Agonum dorsale was least abundant in the uncropped wildlife strip but this habitat was significantly preferred by Bembidion lampros throughout the spring and early summer. A. dorsale had clear directional movement out from the field boundary into the crop in early May. The presence of the wildlife strip did not create a significant barrier to this movement, nor did it significantly reduce the rate at which B. lampros dispersed out into the crop. On the contrary it was such a favourable habitat for this species that it acted as an additional source of colonising individuals. The results are discussed in the context of the effects of headland management on the colonisation of crops by polyphagous predators and their potential for the biological control of aphid pests.

The Effect of Undersowing Cabbages with Clover on the Activity of Carabid Beetles

ABSTRACT Intercropping has potential as an alternative to chemical methods of pest control, and one of its effects may be to provide a favourable environment for beneficial invertebrates, including polyphagous predators such as carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae). This paper compares pitfall catches of carabids from clover-undersown cabbages and cabbages which were kept weed free by hoeing. There were four undersowing treatments consisting of two clover seed rates combined with high and low sward heights. Two species of carabid, Pterostichus melanarius and Loricera pilicornis, were collected in higher numbers from the undersown plots, but four species, Bembidion tetracolum, Trechus quadristriatus, Notiophilus biguttatus and Amara apricara, were more frequent in the hoed plots. All six of these species did not differ in numbers among undersown treatments. Two other species, Agonum muelleri and Bembidion lampros, did differ numerically among undersowing treatments, but the biggest differences were early in the season; as the plant cover in the undersown plots increased, these species were also collected in higher numbers from the hoed plots. It was concluded that carabid species differ in their responses to plant cover.

Crop Type Effects on the Activity and Distribution of Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

The activity of carabid beetles and predation pressure of ground-dwelling predators were investigated in four crop types, barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.), faba bean ( Vicia faba L.), barley-pea ( Pisum sativum L.) intercrop and fescue ( Festuca rubra L.). Pitfall captures of carabids and disappearance rate of experimentally placed fly pupae were similar across the intercrop of peas and barley and monocultures of faba bean and barley, but pupal disappearance was lower in plots of fescue grass than in the crops. In habitat choice experiments, the intercrop attracted significantly more individuals of Pterostichus melanarius Illiger than did the three monocultures. Our results show that carabids can be affected by vegetation structure associated with differences in agronomic practice and that such effects have potential implication for rates of predation in agricultural systems.

Non‐target effects of repeated methiocarb slug pellet application on carabid beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) activity in winter‐sown cereals

SummaryThe effects of repeated annual application of methiocarb‐based slug pellets, broadcast on the soil surface and drilled into the seed bed, on carabid beetle activity were investigated over a four year period on a winter‐sown cereal field using pitfall traps in barriered plots. Following applications in late autumn all winter‐active carabid populations were severely depressed; total carabid activity falling to less than 5% and 10–15% following broadcast and drilled applications, respectively, compared with untreated plots. Spring and summer‐active species, not active at the time of application, were largely unaffected by applications and were responsible for a gradual recovery of total activity from early spring onwards. Activity of all affected winter species remained demonstrably depressed on treated areas for the remainder of their seasonal incidence. However, all except one species, Bembidion obtusum, recovered to normal activity levels in the following season prior to reapplication. Recovery patterns are discussed in terms of the known biology of the species involved. Evidence that a minority of summer‐active species were also affected by treatments, sometimes positively and sometimes negatively, were attributed to indirect effects possibly involving prey availability and foraging behaviour. The long‐term ecological and short‐term agronomic implications of methiocarb effects on carabid populations in winter‐sown cereals are discussed.

SECONDARY EFFECTS OF CANOPY DIEBACK: THE EPIGEAL CARABID FAUNA IN QUÉBEC APPALACHIAN MAPLE FORESTS

AbstractThe impact of canopy dieback on the activity and diversity of epigeal Carabidae was studied during the summers of 1987 and 1988 in 18 maple stands in southeastern Québec, using pitfall traps. A canopy thinning index (CTI) based on severity and incidence of dieback, and on tree basal area was calculated for each of the 72 stations sampled. An analysis of variance shows that canopy dieback had a significant effect on carabid beetle activity in 1988. The CTI was negatively correlated with the carabid species richness and diversity in 1988. The number of individuals caught per station was negatively correlated with the CTI for all species combined, except for the dominant Pterostichus coracinus Newm. in 1988. These results indicate a negative response of carabid beetles to canopy dieback in 1988; the climate may have tempered the effects of dieback in 1987.

Surface activity of carabid beetles inhabiting cereal fields

Surface activity of carabid beetles inhabiting cereal fields

Feeding Activity of Carabid Beetles and Spiders on Gypsy Moth Larvae (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) at High-density Prey Populations2

Pitfall traps and tree bands were used to collect arthropods at two sites in southeastern New Hampshire during the 1982–83 outbreak of gypsy moth. Pitfall traps caught more individuals (74% of total) than tree bands. Carabid beetles (59%) and spiders (22%) were the dominant groups. Twenty-two genera and 48 species of carabid beetles and 31 genera and 43 species of spiders were collected. Spiders had more species and a larger proportion (38%) collected under tree bands than did carabid beetles (12%). Guts of all individuals were tested for presence of gypsy moth proteins using ELISA. Fourteen genera and 26 species of carabid beetles tested positive with the highest percent (50%) recorded for Calosoma frigidum Kirby. Twenty-eight genera and 31 species of spiders tested positive with the highest percent (57%) recorded for Haplodrassus bicornis (Emerton). Positive test results were generally higher in tree band collections for species in either group. Positive tests may have been overestimated in the carabid beetles through carrion feeding, and in the spiders because of the extended period required to digest meals.

Direct and indirect effects of four herbicides on the activity of carabid beetles (coleoptera: Carabidae)

AbstractFour herbicides, atrazine, simazine, paraquat, and glyphosate were tested for their acute and chronic toxicity as well as repellent effects on five common carabid beetles (Amara sp., Agonum sp., Pterostichus sp., Anisodactylus sp., and Harpalus sp.) in laboratory and greenhouse experiments. These carabid species are potential biocontrol agents and interference with their biology through herbicide applications, either directly or indirectly, could lead to soil pest outbreaks. Short‐term field studies also were conducted to verify laboratory and greenhouse results. The four herbicides did not have significant acute or chronic effects on male or female carabid longevity or food consumption during one year after exposure to initial field‐rate applications. Only simazine and atrazine had a repellent effect on carabids, which lasted approximately three days in greenhouse studies. Behavioral studies indicate that once carabids, especially smaller ones (< 10 mm in length), establish burrows and foraging territories, they tend to remain in these areas and migrate out of them only slowly. There was no toxic or repellent effect of any herbicide in the field. Carabids, instead, apparently responded to the destruction of plant material which provided a less favorable habitat for the larger (> 10 mm length) carabids. Glyphosate and paraquat had the greatest effect on carabids by the second week in field studies, with significantly fewer large carabids found in these two treatments than in the control. Large carabids did not return to paraquat‐ and glyphosate‐treated field areas until approximately 28 days after application; consequently, lower rates of predation of early‐season lepidopteran pests by these carabid species may occur in no‐tillage corn fields that utilize herbicides for weed control.