ABSTRACT
Ground beetles are well-known predators of insects and other invertebrates; adults of many, however, are omnivorous whereas some are largely, if not entirely, phytophagous. A few species attack developing strawberry fruits and in some seasons they may be important pests, particularly in weedy, overgrown plantations. Such attacks are sporadic and unpredictable, but they can be serious on occasions. Adult ground beetles, which may live for up to 2 years or more, are active at night, particularly in warm weather. They are fast movers and, when disturbed, quickly run away and seek shelter under stones, clods of earth and herbage. Many species are wingless, but even when wings are present they may not be functional. In very dry weather, the beetles tend to remain inactive and do not feed. After rain, however, activity and feeding will usually reach its peak. It is under such conditions during the fruiting season that damage to strawberries is most likely to occur. Larvae of ground beetles, even if phytophagous, do not damage fruit crops.
