CARABID BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: CARABIDAE) ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPRUCE BUDWORM, <i>CHORISTONEURA FUMIFERANA</i> (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE)

Abstract

Abstract Barrier-pitfall traps and tree bands were used to sample adult carabid beetles in five forest stands of different tree species composition and spruce budworm infestation levels. Twenty genera and 37 species were collected over the 2-year period. Adult carabid populations were highest in the red spruce stand while carabid species diversity was greater in hardwood and fir stands having the most tree species diversity. Potential adult carabid predators of spruce budworm were identified using 5 criteria: number of individuals, habitat preferences, seasonal abundance, size, and food. We conclude that adults of Pterostichus pensylvanicus (Lec.) had the highest potential as predators of spruce budworm followed by Platynus decentis Say, Calosoma frigidum Kby., Pterostichus tristis (Dej.), Cymindis cribricollis Dej., Pterostichus rostratus (Newm.), Calathus ingratus Dej., and Pterostichus adoxus (Say).