Ground Beetles (Coleoptera, Caraboidea) Caught by a Light Trap During Ten Years

Abstract

Species composition and long-term fluctuation of ground beetles attracted to a light trap operated at Yamaguchi University Farm for 10 years were analyzed. A total of 77 species of Omophronidae, Carabidae, and Brachinidae were caught. Three species, Stenolophus difficilis, Anoplogenius cyanescens, and Acupalpus inornatus, were most frequently caught. The fauna found was compared with those in nearby agroecosystems, and the original habitats from whence the ground beetles flew were inferred. The annual activity of the beetles during the 10 years is illustrated. Increasing, decreasing, or periodically varying abundance during the 10 years were found for different beetle species. Environmental factors seems to have no influence on the catch.