Atrophy and Developmental Abnormality in Insects Exposed to Dodecyl Alcohol

Abstract

Diluted dodecyl alcohol and a few related higher alcohols and fatty acid derivatives were found to produce unusual morphological and physiological effects on 6 species of insects, the most noteworthy effects being a progressive atrophy leading to loss of legs and other extremities. Insects used for these studies were the western drywood telmite, lncisitermes minor (Hagen); larvae of the furniture carpet beetle, Anthrenus flavipes LeConte; the black carpet beetle, Attagenus megatoma (F.); nymphs of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.); larvae of the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin duVal; and larvae of the flesh fly Sarcophaga bullata (Parker). Routes of administration were absorption and ingestion from treated substrates, and vapor inhalation. Studies were made to determine ultimate effects and speed of action of each route of administration. In addition to atrophy other forms of abnormality were noted including albinism, wing deformation, impeded circulation of hemolymph, and in some cases sterility.