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Effects of dimilin on the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, in shallow-water habitats

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Abstract

Diffubenzuron (Dimilin) is used as an insecticide for control of the gypsy moth. Because it is a chitin synthetase inhibitor, it can be a potential threat to other arthropods, including crustaceans. We used a static renewal testing paradigm to determine the LC50 of Dimilin WP-25 to juvenile blue crabs (carapace width: 25–60 mm). Both molt stage of dose frequency effect toxicity. When we exposed the crabs at random molt stages, LC50=3.5 mg l−1. When crabs were exposed on the day of molt, LC50=300 μg l−1. If initial exposure occurred on the day of molt and the crabs were subsequently exposed to repeated doses, LC50=18.5 μg l−1. Effects were age and molt-stage sensitive. We include a review of the data available on Dimilin effects in the marine and estuarine environments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Natural Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 21853-1299, Princess Anne, Maryland

    Steve Rebach

  2. Department of Zoology, Oklahoma State University, 74078-0459, Stillwater, Oklahoma

    Donald P. French

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  1. Steve Rebach
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  2. Donald P. French
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Correspondence to Steve Rebach.

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Rebach, S., French, D.P. Effects of dimilin on the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, in shallow-water habitats. Estuaries 19, 279–287 (1996). https://doi.org/10.2307/1352233

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