This investigation compared the potential of adult carabids (ground beetles) as predators of fifth-instar codling moth,Cydia pomonella(L.). The three objectives of the research were the following: (1) to determine which species could killC. pomonella, (2) to compare the degree of carnivory and consumption pattern of selected species of carabids, and (3) to estimate carabid predation ofC. pomonellain the field. The results indicated that 75% or more ofPterostichus lustransLeConte,Pterostichus cursitorLeConte,Pterostichus (Hypherpes)spp.,Harpalus pensylvanicusDeGeer, orAnisodactylus californicusDejean individuals were capable of killingC. pomonellain the laboratory. The most effective predators were species ofPterostichus, even when an alternative plant food (rolled oats) was provided. An average of 60% of tetheredC. pomonellawere consumed each night by carabids in early June, but predation intensity declined June–July. The carabid species seen attacking tethered prey includedAgonum punctiformeSay,Calathus ruficollisDejean,H. pensylvanicus, andP. (Hypherpes)spp. Adults ofPterostichusspecies appear to be important early-season predators ofC. pomonellain orchards.