Abstract: To study the characteristics of the spatial distribution of Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker in the natural environment and the effects of soil properties on its survival, Morisita’s index of dispersion was used to examine the type of distribution. The results showed that the nymphae of E. sinensis were clustered in the natural environment and the adults were randomly distributed outdoors, from ground surface to the depth of 40 cm. Testing under soil conditions with four different initial water contents ranging from 16% to 29% showed that the egg hatch rate in soils with the initial water contents of 21% and 24% was significantly higher than that in soils with other two water contents, and the survival rate of nymphae in soil with the initial water content of 29% was significantly lower than those in soils with other three water contents. Investigation using soils of five different sources as the habitat showed that the compost and habitat soil from the foot of a mountain was more suitable for survival of E. sinensis. The results provide scientific data for collecting, rearing and further research of E. sinensis.

Key words: Eupolyphaga sinensis, spatial distribution, Morisita’s index of dispersion, soil, water content