The relationships between increased oxygen uptake and locomotor ataxy or death in insecticide‐poisoned Alphitobius laevigatus F

Abstract

SUMMARYThe relationships between increased oxygen uptake and locomotor ataxy or death induced by LD50's of n‐valone (2‐n‐valeryl‐1,3‐indandione), γ‐BHC, p,p'‐DDT, dieldrin, DNBP (2,4‐dinitro‐6‐sec.‐butylphenol), malathion and allethrin, in individual lesser mealworm beetles (Alphitobius laevigatus F.) have been investigated. n‐Valone did not increase the rate of oxygen uptake of treated beetles. After dosage with DDT or malathion, increased oxygen uptake occurred only in beetles which were knocked down and beetles knocked down always died. After dieldrin treatment, increased oxygen uptake was always associated with knock‐down, but a few knockeddown beetles recovered. γ‐BHC, allethrin or DNBP caused knock‐down or serious locomotor ataxy and increased oxygen uptake in all the treated beetles, but those which eventually died reached higher peaks in rate of oxygen uptake. The similarities and differences between the effects of the various insecticides are discussed together with some aspects of their possible mode of action.