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Wild flower seed predation by Pterostichus madidus (Carabidae: Coleoptera)
Author(s) -
HURST C,
DOBERSKI J
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
annals of applied biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1744-7348
pISSN - 0003-4746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7348.2003.tb00248.x
Subject(s) - biology , wildflower , seed predation , predation , botany , beneficial insects , agronomy , horticulture , seed dispersal , ecology , population , biological dispersal , demography , sociology
Summary The objective of the study was to investigate the ability of Pterostichus madidus , one of the most abundant carabid beetles in the United Kingdom, to consume wildflower seeds. The plant species chosen are commonly included in wildflower seed mixes sown to enhance the biodiversity of arable field margins, and hence any seed predation could potentially reduce successful seedling establishment. The study combined cafeteria style laboratory feeding experiments with predation studies in an established field margin. In laboratory studies the Pterostichus madidus consumed both unimbibed and imbibed seeds of Centaurea scabiosa, Galium verum, Leucanthemum vulgare and Primula veris . Seed consumption was still evident when Drosophila pupae were also supplied, although there was significant preference for the pupae. Placement of seeds in the field showed high levels of seed consumption, although part of this was attributed to slugs. Carabid beetles may have a significant role as wild flower seed predators and thus may affect establishment of re‐seeded flower‐rich meadows.