Seasonal Abundance of Arthropod Predators in Various Habitats in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas

Abstract

Arthropod predators in various habitats were sampled weekly with a D-Vac® vacuum insect collector during 1973–75 in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Data indicate that non-cultivated habitats support larger numbers of predators/unit area than do cultivated habitats. Over 50% of all predators collected were spiders. The mixed grasses habitat supported the greatest average number of predators/sample. A sharp decline in predator numbers occurred during the summer season in all habitats sampled.