The disruption of proleg clasping by sublethal doses of chlordimeform in silk moth larvae: A possible mechanism of crop protection
1986
Blackwell, Alison | Cox, Sally
General observations of the behavioural effects of sublethal doses of the formamidine pesticide chlordimeform (CDM) on saturniid larvae led to a detailed investigation of the disruption of proleg clasping caused by CDM in Philosamia cynthia ricini Hutt. (Castor Silk Moth) larvae. Subjects received doses ranging from 5.09×10-³ to 19.3 μg/g body weight. Doses above 0.15 μg/g caused uncoordinated movements of the legs which led to reductions in the effective grip on the substrate. Greatest interference was recorded in the pro-legs. The effects were reversible. Significance of these results is discussed in relation to their possible role in crop protection mechanisms. In investigating the degree of specificity of the observed effects as a mode of insecticidal action, larvae were treated with a pyrethroid compound, Cypermethrin. Doses ranging from 0.002 to 0.842 μg/g resulted in reductions in the times the larvae spent firmly attached to the substrate. It is concluded that this is a consequence of an overall excitation caused by the insecticide, displayed as a number of described irritant behaviours, rather than any specific disruption of proleg action.
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