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Cadmium effects on development and reproduction of Oncopeltus fasciatus (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae)
A Cervera1, A C Maymó, M Sendra
1Departamento de Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universitat de València, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain. amelia.cervera@uv.es
Abstract:
Newly hatched nymphs of the insect Oncopeltus fasciatus were exposed to various concentrations of CdCl2 administered in drinking water until the end of adult life. Significant nymphal mortalities were observed at concentrations above 30 mg Cd/l (corresponding to the LC50). The duration of the nymphal stages increased in proportion to the Cd concentration; at the lowest Cd concentration of 10 mg Cd/l, the median duration was significantly prolonged by one day, while at the highest concentration of 100 mg Cd/l it was increased by 10 days over the control group. The weight of newly emerged adults lineally decreased with Cd concentration, being reduced to half the weight of controls at 100 mg Cd/l. In addition, a proportionality between delay in development and weight reduction was found in Cd-treated adults. Survival of adult females was decreased at concentrations higher than 10 mg Cd/l, while males were only affected at 30 mg Cd/l or higher doses. Reproduction was the most affected parameter. Oviposition rate, fecundity and fertility of females exposed to 10 mg Cd/l were significantly lower than controls (73%, 58% and 55% relative to controls, respectively). Hatchability of the eggs laid by treated females was also reduced. These results show that development and reproduction of O. fasciatus are seriously impaired at sublethal Cd concentrations.
Insights
Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) exposure significantly harms the insect Oncopeltus fasciatus, reducing survival, prolonging development, and impairing reproduction even at low concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Insect Physiology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal with known adverse effects on various organisms.
- Understanding the impact of cadmium on non-target insects is crucial for ecological risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) on the survival, development, and reproduction of the insect Oncopeltus fasciatus.
- To determine the dose-response relationship of cadmium exposure in this insect model.
Main Methods:
- Newly hatched Oncopeltus fasciatus nymphs were exposed to varying concentrations of CdCl2 in drinking water throughout their lifespan.
- Key parameters assessed included nymphal mortality, nymphal stage duration, adult weight, adult survival, and reproductive output (oviposition, fecundity, fertility, hatchability).
Main Results:
- Significant nymphal mortality occurred at CdCl2 concentrations above 30 mg/l (LC50).
- Developmental duration and adult weight decreased linearly with increasing CdCl2 concentration.
- Reproductive parameters, including oviposition rate, fecundity, and fertility, were significantly reduced even at sublethal CdCl2 concentrations (10 mg/l).
- Adult survival was negatively impacted, with females affected at lower concentrations than males.
Conclusions:
- Sublethal concentrations of cadmium chloride severely impair the development, survival, and reproductive success of Oncopeltus fasciatus.
- This study highlights the potential ecological risks posed by cadmium contamination to insect populations.
