Spatial and temporal distributions of predatory Carabidae in a winter wheat field.

Abstract

The within-field spatial distribution of predatory Carabidae was investigated from late winter to summer in a winter wheat field, to evaluate coverage over the period when the biocontrol of pest outbreaks is most valuable. Differences between those species that disperse from boundary overwintering habitats, such as beetle banks and hedgerows, and species that are known to be permanently resident within the field were assessed, using a novel spatial clustering technique. Results are discussed in relation to the methodology, the reasons and implications for such distributions, and the importance of such refuge habitat in large, intensively managed arable fields.