Compatibility of spinosad, tebufenozide and azadirachtin with eggs and pupae of the predator Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) under laboratory conditions

Under laboratory conditions, the toxicity of three novel insecticides, spin osad (Tracer(R)), tebufenozide (Mimic(R)) and azadirachtin (Align(R)), was tested against eggs and pupae of the predator Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) . In a first series of assays, eggs were dipped in an aqueous concentration and no ovicidal activity was scored for the three insecticides. In the sec ond, when females were ovipositing on treated substrate for 24 h, fecundity and hatching percentages were similar as compared to controls and the offs pring developed normally until the adult stage. However, spinosad, at the h ighest concentrations tested, caused a slight, significant reduction in the adult life span and fecundity. In a third series of experiments, pupae dev eloped into normal adults after topical treatment for the three insecticide s. Herewith, a pharmacokinetic study indicated low accumulation in the body after pupal cuticle penetration when administrating C-14-labelled insectic ide. Fourthly, pupation of last-instar larvae in treated substrate was norm al for spinosad and tebufenozide. Only azadirachtin caused a slight reducti on in the number of pupae and adults; however, fecundity and fertility of s urviving adults was normal. In conclusion, the current results indicate tha t the three insecticides are not toxic to eggs and pupae of C. carnea.