@article{hilbeck_kennedy_1996, title={Predators Feeding on the Colorado Potato Beetle in Insecticide-Free Plots and Insecticide-Treated Commercial Potato Fields in Eastern North Carolina}, volume={6}, ISSN={1049-9644}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1006/bcon.1996.0034}, DOI={10.1006/bcon.1996.0034}, abstractNote={Field studies in insecticide-free research plots and insecticide-treated commercial potato fields were conducted to determine the identity and seasonal abundance of the predators feeding on the Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata(Say) in eastern North Carolina. Taxa were classified as predaceous on Colorado potato beetle eggs or larvae only if they were observed to feed on them in the field or to readily accept and survive for a prolonged period on a diet of eggs and small larvae in laboratory studies. Excluding soil arthropods, which were not sampled, Colorado potato beetle eggs and larvae were by far the most abundant prey available in potato fields during this study. The coccinellidColeomegilla maculata(DeGeer) was the most abundant predator but its abundance varied independently of prey abundance. In addition, 13 insect genera, at least three spider families, one phalangid, and one mite species were found to prey on the Colorado potato beetle. Prior to the application of carbofuran to commercial potato fields for control of the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalisHubner) and Colorado potato beetle, dynamics and composition of the predator communities were generally similar to those in the much smaller untreated research plantings. Although carbofuran applications always suppressed or eliminated the predator population, predators recolonized the commercial fields within 1 to 2 weeks following its application.}, number={2}, journal={Biological Control}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Hilbeck, Angelika and Kennedy, George G.}, year={1996}, month={Apr}, pages={273–282} }