As part of an evaluation into their effectiveness as natural control agents, 7 species of carabids (Scarites substriatus Haldeman, Evarthrus alternans Casey, Pterostichus chalcites Say, P. lucublandus Say, Bembidion quadrimaculatum L., B. rapidum LeConte, and Harpalus pensylvanicus DeGeer) commonly found in Iowa cropland, were tested to quantify their prey consumption. Tests were conducted under laboratory conditions with various stages of the black cutworm used as prey. The experiment was divided into 2 main parts: maximum consumption during 24 h and continued prey consumption per day over a 4-day period. Results of the 24-h feeding trials revealed that all species tested are capable of consuming large amounts of prey. With the exception of E. alternans, results of the continued feeding trial indicated that a carabid population is capable of consuming both a relatively high and constant amount of prey over an extended period of time.