The predator potential of the margined leatherwing beetle in Virginia agro-ecosystems

Cantharid beetles are known to be pollinators that forage on a variety of flowering plants, and as larvae the beetles appear to be generalist predators. In Virginia, two species of Cantharid beetles are commonly found: the margined soldier beetle, Chauliognathus marginatus, and the golden rod beetle, Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus. A multitude predators, including solider beetles, have not been thoroughly evaluated for the potential impacts on pest species. The objective of this study was to preliminarily examine the predation potential of larvae of the soldier beetle, C. marginatus, on key agricultural pest in SW Virginia and to bridge a gap in the knowledge and understanding of the roles of generalist predators in agricultural ecosystems. In this study the beetle, C. marginatus, was reared in the lab from egg to larva for no choice feeding assays on common agricultural pests. The preliminary results of the study suggest that C. marginatus is a voracious predator that may have a significant impact in an agroecosystem.