Ground Beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Phenology, Diversity, and Response to Weed Cover in a Turfgrass Ecosystem

摘要: Despite being fragmented and highly disturbed habitats, urban turfgrass ecosystems harbor a surprising diversity of arthropods. The suitability turf as arthropod habitat, however, likely depends on the extent types pesticides fertilizers used. For example, moderate levels weed cover in low-input lawns may provide alternative food resources. We conducted 2-yr field study to: 1) characterize ground beetle (Carabidae) species assemblage turfgrass, 2) assess direct indirect effects lawn management carabid communities. Weed activity were compared among four programs: consumer/garden center, integrated pest (IPM), 3) natural organic, 4) no-input control. Nearly 5,000 beetles across 17 collected with predator Cyclotrachelus sodalis LeConte numerically dominating trap catch (87% 45% individuals 2005 2006, respectively). Populations C. underwent distinct peak during third week June, whereas omnivorous granivorous tended to occur at far lower less variable over season. found no evidence for diversity; we detected an effect mediated by variation cover. Seed-feeding positively correlated weeds early strictly predaceous not. Thus, programs that lead changes plant composition (i.e., herbicide regimes) indirectly shape epigeal communities more strongly than insecticide use.