The relative preference of adultThanasimus dubius(F.) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) for two natural prey, the southern pine beetle,Dendroctonus frontalisZimm., and the small (four-spined) southern pine engraver,Ips avulsus(Eichh.) (Scolytidae), and for a laboratory prey, the cowpea weevil,Callosobruchus maculatus(L.) (Bruchidae), was determined. Newly emerged, hungryT. dubiuspreferred the two natural prey overC. maculatus, but consumedI. avulsusandD. frontalisas encountered. A 7-day conditioning period did not affect the preference; all predators, when offered a choice of three prey species, preferredI. avulsus. Egg production was significantly lower forT. dubiusfedC. maculatus, and egg viability was significantly lower forT. dubiusreared onD. frontalis.