Abstract

AbstractThe effects of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis de Barjac (B.t.i.) on the feeding habits of two black fly predators, Nigronia serricornis (Say) and Acroneuria lycorias (Newman), and a detritivore, Prostoia completa (Walker), were examined. We assessed whether B.t.i.-killed and hot water-killed black fly larvae were less or more desirable to these consumers than live larvae. Nigronia larvae showed no significant differences in predation on larvae within the three categories. Acroneuria nymphs consumed more live than dead prey. Experiments with the detritivore, Prostoia, showed that they preferred dead black fly larvae to live ones. Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis treatment may have little direct effect on nontarget organisms, but these studies indicate that there still may be consequences for predators and detritivores when a viable population of larval black flies is transformed into dead organic matter.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.