Habitat use patterns by the seven-spotted lady beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in a diverse agricultural landscape

Abstract Studies were conducted during 1989 and 1990 to describe the habitat use patterns of the seven-spotted lady beetle, Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus. The study site consisted of seven treatments arranged in forty-two 0.91-ha plots. Maize, soybean, wheat, alfalfa, Populus , and successional habitats were represented. Habitats were sampled weekly (from late May to the end of August) using yellow sticky traps, sweep net samples, and visual observations. C. septempunctata was detected in all habitats during both years. Habitat preference, however, depended upon availability of prey and habitat disturbance. In 1989, wheat supported C. septempunctata populations early and mid-season, while Populus supported more C. septempunctata later in the season. In 1990, alfalfa was dominant early in the season, soybean in the mid-season, and successional and alfalfa late in the season. The results indicate that both cultivated and uncultivated habitats play an important role in supporting populations of C. septempunctata .