Predation of caterpillars attacking corn (European corn borer,
black cutworm, common stalk
borer, armyworm, fall armyworm) was studied in the field by observing live insects held in place
with a nylon thread during 24 hour periods. Predators did not attack or consume one species
preferentially over another. There were significantly more attacks and more caterpillars consumed
in no-tillage systems compared with conventional tillage treatments. Predator activity (number of
attacks) and predation were greatest at night and least in early afternoon over the entire season
and generally increased as the season progressed. The soil insecticide phorate significantly
decreased predators and number of caterpillars consumed by predators for about 2 months after
its application. Ground beetles were the most important predators in this study, however other
species (rove beetles, daddy longlegs, centipedes and wolf spiders) also provided significant
predation, particularly in early and mid-June.
Source: G. E. Brust, B. Stinner & D. McCartney. 1986. Predator activity and predation in corn agroecosystems.
Environmental Entomology15:1017-1021.
