Genetic Variation Influences Tolerance to a Neonicotinoid Insecticide in 3 Butterfly Species

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2020 Nov;39(11):2228-2236. doi: 10.1002/etc.4845. Epub 2020 Sep 16.

Abstract

Neonicotinoid pesticides harm nontarget insects, but their sublethal effects on butterflies are understudied. We exposed larvae of 3 butterfly species (Pieris rapae, Colias philodice, and Danaus plexippus) to low levels of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid in their host plants and followed individuals to adulthood. Imidacloprid altered adult body size, especially in female monarchs, but its effects varied across maternal families, highlighting the importance of considering genetic variation in ecotoxicological testing. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2228-2236. © 2020 SETAC.

Keywords: Colias philodice; Danaus plexippus; Imidacloprid; Nontarget insect; Pieris rapae; Sublethal effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Size / drug effects
  • Butterflies* / drug effects
  • Butterflies* / genetics
  • Butterflies* / growth & development
  • Female
  • Genetic Variation
  • Insecticides* / toxicity
  • Larva / drug effects
  • Larva / genetics
  • Male
  • Neonicotinoids* / toxicity
  • Wings, Animal / drug effects
  • Wings, Animal / physiology

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • Neonicotinoids