Prey- and density-mediated dispersal in Carcinops pumilio (Coleoptera : Histeridae), a predator of house fly (Diptera : Muscidae) eggs and larvae

Carcinops pumilio (Erichson) were collected using two trapping methods: a b lack light pitfall trap and a mesh-bottomed trap placed on poultry manure. C. pumilio collected with black lights and subsequently starved had a signi ficantly higher dispersal rate during days 1-3 than fully fed groups. When densities of <500 Caloglyphus berlesei (Michael) (Acarina: Acaridae) per 50 C. pumilio were provided, mile availability had a significant effect on di spersal of beetles captured with both black light traps and the mesh-bottom ed trap during the day 1-3 period. Our results indicate that the availabili ty of acceptable food sources can delay and possibly prevent dispersal by C . pumilio. Black light-captured beetles appeared to be in a state of disper sal when captured. A subset of dispersing beetles was present in groups cap tured with the mesh-bottomed trap.