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Publication
Behaviour and Growth of Chironomus riparius Meigen (Diptera: Chironomidae) under Imidacloprid Pulse and Constant Exposure Scenarios
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Abstract(s)
Imidacloprid is a new insecticide that mimics nicotine, combining its insecticidal activity with a reduced persistence in the environment. The toxicity of imidacloprid to Chironomus riparius Meigen using the formulated product Confidor® from Bayer®, in pulse and continuous exposure, was evaluated in this study. The behavioural response of the midge after toxicant exposure using an online biomonitor was also investigated. Early second-instar C. riparius larvae were exposed in either constant (10 days) or pulse (4 days, followed by 6 days post exposure in clean medium) conditions. Imidacloprid constant exposure resulted in a decrease in growth and impairment of the behavioural pattern of the midge larvae. Pulsed exposure followed by a recovery period revealed a recovery of midge physiological conditions, by reaching a stabilisation of normal behavioural activities and growth among treatments. Moreover, ventilation showed to be a more sensitive parameter by revealing a faster recovery than locomotion. Behaviour alterations may weaken the ability to escape from predators, and reduce food acquisition with consequent growth impairment. These effects may have an impact at the population and community level.
Description
Keywords
Recovery Post-exposure . Behavioural response . Confidor. Insecticide . Biomonitor.
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Azevedo-Pereira, H.M.V.S., Lemos, M.F.L. & Soares, A.M.V.M. Behaviour and Growth of Chironomus riparius Meigen (Diptera: Chironomidae) under Imidacloprid Pulse and Constant Exposure Scenarios. Water Air Soil Pollut 219, 215–224 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-010-0700-x
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC