Adult Tetracha carolina (L.) were active during a 15-week period at an old-field site in Washington Co., Mississippi. Seven body measurements were obtained from 398 individuals captured by barrier pitfalls, with male measurements significantly different from females except for length of the mandibles. When females first appeared, some either contained developed eggs or had recently discharged eggs, even though they were still teneral. By the end of the 15-week period, many of the mandibles of both sexes were severely damaged, some broken to a mere stub. The possible relationship of early reproductive status and rapid damage to mandibles is discussed.