Foraging Behavior and Feeding Preference of Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Kentucky Alfalfa

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Abstract
Foraging behavior and feeding preference of the most abundant ground beetles in Kentucky alfalfa were determined under simulated field conditions in a laboratory terrarium. Evarthrus sodalis LeConte is a carnivorous carabid that foraged primarily on the soil surface. Harpalus pennsylvanicus De Geer is an omnivorous carabid that was never observed on the plants. Amara cupreolata Putzeys foraged on alfalfa foliage as well as the soil surface and was observed feeding on larvae of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal). The variety of foraging and feeding strategies employed by these ground beetles illustrates the importance of examining carabids at the species level, rather than making generalizations at the family level.