A predator onWiseana(Lep. : Hepialidae)

Abstract

Thyreocephalus chloropterus (Erichson), (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) is recorded for the first time as a predator on larvae of the subterranean grass caterpillar, Wiseana species (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae). Fully grown larvae were successfully attacked, but younger larvae fell easier prey. The method of attack is described, and an indication of the killing potential is given.