Creation of 'island' habitats in farmland to manipulate populations of beneficial arthropods: predator densities and species composition.
Abstract
The effects of the provision of within-field grass habitats for the overwintering of natural enemies of Aphididae were studied in 1987-90 in the UK. During the course of the study, densities of individual predatory species varied considerably, with Araneae (Linyphiidae and Lycosidae) and Carabidae showing successional changes from pioneer to more specialized species as the newly-created habitats matured. The role of such habitat creation schemes in increasing stability and enhancing biocontrol within the agro-ecosystem is discussed.