The toxic effect of deltamethrin on linyphiid and erigonid spiders in connection with ambient temperature, humidity,...

The first part of this study concerns the effect of temperature and air humidity on the toxicity of deltamethrin to the erigonid Oedothorax apicatus. The second part concerns the effect of deltamethrin on behavior of linyphiids and erigonids with respect to their ability to escape from predators and to select between unfavorable (dry) and favorable (moist) habitat conditions. The toxic effect of deltamethrin was highest at the combination of high temperature and low air humidity. It was concluded that the spider's sensitivity to drought is increased by this pyrethroid. Affected spiders, however, are less able to select moist habitat conditions than unaffected ones. Walking speed of spiders was decreased by exposure to deltamethrin and their predation by carabid beetles was increased. It was concluded that the effect observed under field conditions is the result of a combination of neurological, physiological, and behavioral disturbance.