Influence of pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides on lizards (Reptilia, Squamata) (a review)

Abstract

Pyrethroid and neonicotinoid pesticides are synthetic substances that are distributed in different economic activity spheres and until recent times were considered one of the safe types of insecticides. It is known that the use of pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides have certain environmental risks for animal populations. Reptiles manifest a significant sensitivity to this family of insecticides. Lizards (Lacertilia) is a numerous group of animals, a large number of species of which is associated with biotopes located in the landscapes influenced by pesticides. Features of toxic effects of pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides are investigated on a small number of Lacertilia species and mainly on small lizards. An analysis of previous studies allowed identifying certain features of the toxic effect of pyrethroids and neonicotinoids on the lizards. Affecting this group of insecticides in lizards may increase mortality and neurological deviations, whose symptoms may reduce over time. Laboratory studies indicate that these substances can lead to increased lizard lethality and to hormonal, biochemical, and neuralgic deviations. The conducted studies indicate that these insecticides have an antiandrogenic effect that may decrease the reproductive success of lizards. The metabolism of insecticides in the lizard organism causes the formation of toxic metabolites, which may be accompanied by a greater poisoning of the lizard body than detoxification. Enantiomers of the investigated insecticides, exhibit a different degree of toxicity. A number of parameters of toxic effects are proposed as biomarkers of intoxication with pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides. Lizards can be used for bioindication of synthetic insecticides, but the research activities on this issue began to grow in recent decades.