Effect of substrate depth on predation of Larval Pterostichus adstrictus Eschscholtz by adults of P. Melanarius (Illiger) (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

We used a laboratory experiment to test whether larvae of the carabid Pterostichus adstrictus Eschscholtz segregate vertically in the soil from adults of P. melanarius (II-liger) to avoid predation. Most P. adstrictus larvae remained in the top soil stratum, and did not move deeper in the presence of adult P. melanarius. Both predation by P. melanarius adults on larvae of P. adstrictus and larval cannibalism occurred during experiments.