Identification and Impact of Egg Predators of<i>Cyclocephala lurida</i>and<i>Popillia japonica</i>(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Turfgrass

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted to identify predators of southern masked chafer, Cyclocephala lurida Bland, and Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, eggs in turfgrass soil and to measure the predation that occurs. Identification of egg predators was determined by direct observation through buried Plexiglas plates of artificially placed eggs. Predation rates of Japanese beetle eggs was further measured using buried bait stations filled with eggs. Up to 73% of eggs in the soil were taken within a 72-h period. Ants were found to be the predominant predator accounting for up to 83% of the eggs taken. One species of ant, Solenopsis molesta (Say), proved to be the primary ant predator of eggs in turfgrass.