Arthropod Predators Utilizing Monoculture Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) Fields

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a grass native to the US that has been selectively bred into new varieties for monoculture production. As a biomass or forage crop, it has potential to be grown on millions of acres across the US. It represents a novel type of environment for organisms compared to most other monoculture crops grown in the US, in part because it is a perennial that may be grown over massive acres. This study made a survey of the ground-dwelling predators present in mature switchgrass fields.  Arthropods were captured in pitfall traps for a 2 week period, in 2 different locations. Specimens were stored in 70% ethanol until they were able to be identified.  This information will facilitate ecological studies concerning the introduction of this novel crop to agricultural systems.