Biological activities of two juvenoids on nymphs of the American bird grasshopper, Schistocerca americana (Drury)

Abstract

The juvenoids fenoxycarb and methoprene were evaluated for morphogenetic activity on last-instar nymphs of the American bird grasshopper, Schistocerca americana (Drury) (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Topical application of fenoxycarb induced supernumerary nymphs, adultoids and adults with curled wings. Methoprene yielded similar morphogenetic effects although at reduced levels of activity. Of particular interest, however, is the discovery that, in addition to its morphogenetic activity, fenoxycarb causes significant mortality in developing fourth-, fifth- and sixth-instar nymphs.