Authors : Madhukar F. Jadhao and Archana H. Bhongade
Page Nos : 6-10
Description :
A survey was conducted in the rice fields of Bhandara District of Vidharbha (Eastern Maharashtra, India) during kharif season (July-November) to study the diversity and population fluctuation of carabid beetles. A total of 17 carabid beetle species belonging to 13 genera were recorded and identified. Out of the 17 carabid beetles recorded, 6 species were observed as pests and remaining 11 species were recorded as predators feeding on various stages of pests in rice ecosystem. Seven carabid predatory beetles species, viz., Antia sexguttata, Apotomus testaceus, Ceracis califormicus, Chlaenius bioculatus, Eudema tomentosus, Pherospsophus jessoensis, and Scarites subterranaus were found to be the dominant (very common). The highest population of carabid predator, Eudema tomentosus (8.4 beetles /m2) was recorded at about 56 DAT (Days after transplantation).
