BEHAVIOR OF THE GYPSY MOTH PREDATOR, CALOSOMA SYCOPHANTA L. (CARABIDAE: COLEOPTERA), AS INFLUENCED BY TIME OF DAY AND REPRODUCTIVE STATUS

Adult Calosoma sycophanta L. (Carabidae: Coleoptera) male and female pairs in a laboratory arena were observed for up to 30 days with a video recorder. Beetles were visible (i.e. not hiding) or in soil (i.e. female ovipositing) especially during night hours. Feeding on gypsy moth larvae occurred any time of the day or night. Male and female beetles were most active during the time when female beetles were ovipositing. Females spent more time eating and staying in soil than did males, but males tended to move around the arena more than did females. Based on results from this study, it is expected that, in the forest, C. sycophanta females will spend most of their time hidden in leaf litter or ovipositing. Males are more likely to be seen because they spend more time moving about, probably seeking mates.