Abstract

Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth) larvae were reared on both a natural diet of oak leaves and an artificial medium contaminated independently with four different metal nitrates. Larvae were contaminated up to pupation either from 1st or 4th instars at four concentrations differing by a factor of 5. The lowest concentration levels were 2 μg/g Cd, 4 μg/g Pb, 10 μg/g Cu, and 100 μg/g Zn based on nutrient medium dry weight. Developmental rate, growth, mortality and reproductive success were determined. No-Observed-Effect-Concentrations (NOECs) calculated were dependent on the metal, the parameter investigated and the stage at which exposure commenced. In general, larvae exposed from the 4th instar were less susceptible to metal toxification than those exposed from hatching. Considering all parameters investigated, dietary NOECs were determined to be 2 μg/g Cd, 4 μg/g Pb, 10 μg/g Cu, and 100 μg/g Zn.

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