Arthropod predators are abundant in turfgrass systems, and they play an important role in managing pests. Understanding the vertical distribution of predation is critical to developing cultural strategies that enhance and conserve predatory services. However, little is known on how the predation is vertically distributed within the turfgrass canopy. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the vertical distribution of predation within the turfgrass canopy. Clay models were used to emulate the general appearance of Noctuidae caterpillars, to estimate the predatory activity. The choice and no-choice experiments were conducted by placing clay models at 2.54, 5.08, and 7.62 cm from the thatch surface and denoted as lower, intermediate, and upper levels, respectively, within turfgrass canopy. The predator-mediated impressions, paired mark, scratch, deep cut mark, deep distortion, prick, dent, stacked surface impression, scooped mark, granulation, and U-shaped mark, were identified on clay models. The incidence and severity of impressions were significantly greater on clay models placed at the lower canopy level than on those placed at the intermediate and upper canopy levels in the choice and no-choice experiments (P < 0.05). Thus, predators are more likely to find their prey at the soil level. This information can be used to refine management strategies, such as mowing height and insecticide use for effectively managing soil-borne and foliar-feeding arthropod pests and beneficial arthropods.

中文翻译：

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草坪草内节肢动物相互作用的垂直分布

节肢动物捕食者在草坪系统中非常丰富，它们在管理害虫方面发挥着重要作用。了解捕食的垂直分布对于制定加强和保护捕食服务的文化战略至关重要。然而，关于捕食如何在草坪草冠层内垂直分布的情况知之甚少。因此，本研究的目的是确定草坪冠层内捕食的垂直分布。粘土模型用于模拟夜蛾科毛虫的一般外观，以估计捕食活动。通过将粘土模型放置在距茅草表面 2.54、5.08 和 7.62 厘米处进行选择和非选择实验，并分别表示为草坪草冠层内的低层、中层和高层。捕食者介导的印象，配对标记，在粘土模型上识别出划痕、深切痕、深度变形、刺痕、凹痕、堆叠表面印痕、铲痕、颗粒和 U 形痕。在选择和非选择实验中，放置在下层冠层的粘土模型的印痕发生率和严重程度显着高于放置在中层和上层层的粘土模型（P < 0.05）。因此，捕食者更有可能在土壤水平上找到猎物。这些信息可用于改进管理策略，例如割草高度和杀虫剂的使用，以有效管理土传和叶食节肢动物害虫和有益节肢动物。在选择和非选择实验中，放置在下层冠层的粘土模型的印痕发生率和严重程度显着高于放置在中层和上层层的粘土模型（P < 0.05）。因此，捕食者更有可能在土壤水平上找到猎物。这些信息可用于改进管理策略，例如割草高度和杀虫剂的使用，以有效管理土传和叶食节肢动物害虫和有益节肢动物。在选择和非选择实验中，放置在下层冠层的粘土模型的印痕发生率和严重程度显着高于放置在中层和上层层的粘土模型（P < 0.05）。因此，捕食者更有可能在土壤水平上找到猎物。这些信息可用于改进管理策略，例如割草高度和杀虫剂的使用，以有效管理土传和叶食节肢动物害虫和有益节肢动物。