Quantifying and simulating movement of the predator carabid beetle Pterostichus melanarius in arable land

摘要: Keywords: landscape entomology, movement ecology, quantifying movement, population spread, habitat heterogeneity, motility, edge-behaviour, diffusion model, model selection, inverse modelling, Pterostichus melanarius, Carabidae, entomophagous arthropod Biological control provided by arthropods is an ecosystem service with the potential to reduce pesticide use in agriculture. The distribution of and associated over crop fields affected their dispersal capacity heterogeneity. Current knowledge on patterns, particular for soil dwelling predators, insufficient provide advice how a production should be re-arranged maximally benefit from biological pest control. Movement has mainly been measured single habitats rather than mosaics as consequence little information available behaviour at interfaces, i.e. border between two habitats. This study contributes insight into patterns melanarius (Illiger) agricultural basis redesign landscapes natural were studied video equipment experimental arenas 5 m2 mark-recapture much larger scales field. Interpretation results was supported models that accounted specific motility µ (L2 T−1), measure space time, preference interfaces. carabids mostly quantified rate, which cannot used scaling-up. Available rate made scaling-up calculating published data looking through meta-analysis thirteen studies, including 55 records twelve species. Beetles had average three times higher arable land forest/hedgerow habitat. did not identify consistent differences individual species level, grouping according gender or size demonstrate significant effect. A methodology directly estimate using modelling evaluated mass field experiment winter triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack.). Inverse yielded same result calculated squared displacement distances. In first case, individuals, second case estimated density fitted recapture data. similarity these very different approaches strengthens confidence suitable concept carabid beetles, method retrieve parameters observed patterns. effect heterogeneity P. across adjacent oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus) rye (Secale cereale) experiment. complemented observations arena. Motility neither significantly nor Overall interface crops. moved more frequently opposite direction. arena indicated greater frequency entry compared rye. Analysis tracking resulted estimates that, when scaled up close those obtained Thus, studies smaller gave qualitatively quantitatively similar results. within-season further explored mosaic comprising perennial strips distinct tillage management. Semi-natural grass margins functionally lower habitats, crop-margin beetles towards margin. Margins thus effectively acted barriers dispersal. differed but no relations found type, food availability tillage. Based predicted disperse distance about 100 – 160 m during growing season without semi-natural elements. Given this range redistribution expected within season, even are surrounded hedgerows, meaning success dependent management affecting local dynamics thesis methodological approach quantify ground-dwelling insects heterogeneous environments modelling. combination proved powerful studying development predictive dynamic spread arthropods. These may part multi-objective assessment alternative configurations find spatial arrangements maximize wider set functions.