Abstract

Aerial spraying of a Scottish forest plantation with the organophosphorus insecticide fenitrothion had an immediate detrimental effect on some carabid species. The effect was greatest where the canopy was thinnest. The effect was not long lasting as the carabid community showed signs of recovering in the year following spray application. These carabids may be colonising from areas in the forest where the spray had not had as great an effect (eg closed canopy compartments).