EFFECTS OF CONVENTIONAL INSECTICIDES AND INSECT GROWTH-REGULATORS ON FECUNDITY AND OTHER LIFE-TABLE PARAMETERS OF MICROMUS-TASMANIAE (NEUROPTERA, HEMEROBIIDAE)

Effects of 3 conventional insecticides (methyl parathion, azinphos-met hyl, cypermethrin) and 3 insect growth regulators (fenoxycarb, diflube nzuron, and tebufenozide) on life-table parameters of Micromus tasmani ae Walker were determined in adults derived from insecticide-treated l arvae. The following parameters were compared with the control: sex ra tio, longevity, sterility, and fecundity. Power analysis was used to i ncrease the efficiency and the predictability of the life-table test. Diflubenzuron resulted in a higher proportion female lacewings. Longev ity was reduced for females emerging from fenoxycarb- and diflubenzuro n-treated larvae. Total number of eggs was reduced for diflubenzuron- and fenoxycarb-treated lacewings, as well as the following generation of tebufenozide-exposed lacewings. Daily number of eggs was reduced fo r the diflubenzuron treatment. Peak egg production was increased for l acewings exposed to azinphos-methyl and was decreased for the followin g generation of tebufenozide-exposed lacewings. Diflubenzuron treatmen t resulted in an extended preoviposition period. Oviposition periods w ere reduced for lacewings treated with fenoxycarb, diflubenzuron or az inphos-methyl as well as for the following generation of the tebufenoz ide treatment. The time to peak egg production was similar for all tre atments. Methyl parathion, cypermethrin, and tebufenozide treatments s howed no differences in any of the tested life-table parameters in the Ist generation. In summary, the insect growth regulators fenoxycarb a nd diflubenzuron had a more severe impact on life-table parameters tha n the 2 organophosphates and the pyrethroid. In future research, incre ased attention should be paid to long-term (e.g., the following genera tion) effects on life-table parameters.