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Toxicity of the Systemic Insecticide, Imidacloprid, to Forest Stream Insects and Microbial Communities

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Abstract

Imidacloprid was added to laboratory aquatic microcosms at concentrations of 12, 24, 48 and 96 μg/L to determine effects on leaf-shredding aquatic insect survival and feeding rates, and on aquatic microbial decomposition of leaf material. Survival of the stonefly, Pteronarcys dorsata, was significantly reduced at 48 and 96 μg/L. There was no significant mortality of the cranefly, Tipula sp., but most surviving tipulids were very sluggish and non-responsive to prodding at 48 and 96 μg/L. Leaf decomposition by these leaf-shredding insects was significantly reduced at all test concentrations. There were no significant adverse effects on microbial decomposition of leaf material.

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Acknowledgments

Technical assistance was provided by Scott Capell, Mandy Roberts and Korrie Young. The study was supported in part by the Enhanced Pest Management Methods S&T Program of Natural Resources Canada.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, 1219 Queen St. East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada, P6A 2E5

    D. P. Kreutzweiser, K. P. Good, D. T. Chartrand & D. G. Thompson

  2. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Forest Resources Group, Suite 400, 70 Foster Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada, P6A 6V5

    T. A. Scarr

Authors
  1. D. P. Kreutzweiser
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  2. K. P. Good
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  3. D. T. Chartrand
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  4. T. A. Scarr
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  5. D. G. Thompson
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Correspondence to D. P. Kreutzweiser.

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Kreutzweiser, D.P., Good, K.P., Chartrand, D.T. et al. Toxicity of the Systemic Insecticide, Imidacloprid, to Forest Stream Insects and Microbial Communities. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 80, 211–214 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-007-9347-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-007-9347-8

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