The Rate of Predation and Its Temperature Dependence in a Tiger Beetle, Cicindela Hybrida

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Abstract
The tiger beetle C. hybrida and its insect prey constitute a simple predator-prey system in which the predator searches at random and the prey is continuously renewed. By means of the basic functional response equation, modified for this situation, the rate of predation is shown to be strongly dependent on the ambient temperature. The parameters of the model were determined in the field at temperatures between 20-44.degree. C. The speed of locomotion, handling time and success rate were little dependent on temperature because of the thermoregulatory abilities of the tiger beetles. The fraction of time spent searching increased to a plateau above 36.degree. C. The number of prey items present increased to a maximum at 36.degree. C and then decreased at higher temperatures. The resultant capture rate has a bellshaped distribution in relation to temperature. It increases from > 1 prey/h at 20.degree. C to a maximum of .apprx. 7 prey/h at 36.degree. C. At high temperatures the rate falls off. The number of prey captured at different temperatures also was observed directly and a good agreement was found between observed and calculated values.

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