The spatial dynamics of crop and ground active predatory arthropods and their aphid prey in winter wheat.

摘要: The distribution of aphid predators within arable fields has been previously examined using pitfall traps. With this technique predominantly larger invertebrate species are captured, especially Carabidae, but the provides no estimate density unless mark-recapture is used. However, many other numerically important occur in and relatively little known about their patterns nor whether they exhibit a density-dependent response to patches cereal aphids. Identification most effective can allow management practices be developed accordingly. In study, aphids was by suction sampling field winter wheat Devon, UK, along with visual estimates weed patchiness. Sampling conducted on four occasions 1999 across grid 128 sample locations. 11 predatory taxa from Staphylinidae Linyphiidae examined. Additionally, total number predation index were used these analyses. Carabid adults larvae, staphylinid larvae showed strongest aggregation into temporal stability distribution. Other had more ephemeral distributions as did carabid disassociated for first two indicating biocontrol occurring. groups both association disassociation. Bathyphantes numbers strong correlation cover dates. Cereal three occasions.