Sublethal Effects of Neurotoxic Insecticides on Insect Behavior

Abstract

PERSPECTIVES AND OVERVIEWThe behavior of insects, and all animals, is governed by interactions amongneurons within their nervous systems. Insecticides have been selected andsometimes designed for their remarkable ability to kill insects. Most attackspecific sites within the insect’s nervous system (59, 63; see section on modesand sites of action). Therefore it is not surprising that insecticides at levelsthat do not lead to mortality can influence behavior. However, there havebeen few detailed studies concerning the potential behavioral effects ofsublethal doses of insecticides.Studies of the behavioral effects of neurotoxicants are important for severalreasons (89). First, detailed observations of the behavioral symptoms poisoned insects will help to elucidate the modes of action of both novel andconventional insecticides. Second, it is clear that almost all insecticidesinterfere with the normally well-orchestrated behavioral patterns of pestinsects and thus might contribute to management of their populations. Animportant related point is that beneficial insects may be adversely affected bythese compounds in a way that is overlooked by current screening procedures.Lastly, selection may favor those insects that respond to insecticides in theenvironment by minimizing their contact with the toxic material; thus thepotential for evolution of behavioral resistance to insecticides is anotherimportant consideration.Insecticides are the cornerstones upon which pest management practices arebased, and are likely to remain so as long as effective and inexpensivechemicals are available. However, many insect-pest management techniques1490066-4 170/88/0101-0149 $02.00Annual Reviews www.annualreviews.org/aronline