Study of the Carabidae taxocenosis (Coleoptera) in Belgian agro-ecosystems
1989
Hance, T. | Gregoire-Wibo, C. | Stassart, P. | Goffart, F. (Universite Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium). Unite d'Ecologie et de Biogeographie)
The role of Carabidae in controlling phytophagous Arthropods in agro-ecosystems is now clearly demonstrated. In this context, it is essential to establish the list of species present in cultures, and to evaluate the consequences of agricultural practices (such as ploughing) and of landscape heterogeneity on the carabid communities. From 1977 to 1985, pitfall traps were placed in the main crops of Brabant and in uncultivated areas (hedges, fallow land, permanent pastures). During this period, 82 species of Carabidae were caught. Their relative activity (number of pitfall traps catches) and their distribution regarding crop types and soil ploughing were analysed. It appears that the depth of tillage is one of the major factors affecting Carabid fauna, and that superficial ploughing enables to keep a high number of species and favours spring breeders. Moreover, uncultivated areas play an important role in maintaining scarce species and as winter shelters for some aphidophagous carabids.
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