Relationships between polyphagous predator density and overwintering habitat within arable field margins and beetle banks.

Abstract

Polyphagous predator populations were assessed between two conventional hedgebanks and a beetle bank, over three years. Different grass species were also studied to indicate which species supports the highest density of predators. In the third year the beetle bank compared favourably in terms of predator density to the hedgebanks. The grass species which sustained the highest predator densities over two years were Arrhenatherum elatius, Phleum pratense and Dactylis glomerata.