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Experimental evidence for neonicotinoid driven decline in aquatic emerging insects
S Henrik Barmentlo1, Maarten Schrama2, Geert R de Snoo2,3
1Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; S.H.Barmentlo@uva.nl.
Summary
Neonicotinoid pesticides, like thiacloprid, cause significant declines in aquatic insect populations, impacting both abundance and biomass. This study reveals a direct link between pesticide use and the ongoing insect crisis, urging a reevaluation of neonicotinoid application.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Toxicology
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Global insect populations are experiencing unprecedented declines in richness and biomass.
- Pesticide use, particularly neonicotinoid insecticides, is implicated in this decline, but field-realistic data are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally determine the effects of field-realistic thiacloprid concentrations on naturally assembled aquatic insect emergence.
- To establish a causal link between neonicotinoids and insect decline in aquatic ecosystems.
Main Methods:
- An outdoor experiment was conducted to assess the impact of thiacloprid on aquatic insect emergence.
- Field-realistic concentrations of thiacloprid were applied to simulate environmental exposure.
Main Results:
- All major aquatic insect orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Trichoptera) showed significant declines in abundance and biomass post-thiacloprid application.
- Chironomidae family diversity decreased by 50% at 1 µg/L and was reduced to a single species at 10 µg/L.
- Emergence of most insect orders was nearly eliminated at the highest tested concentration (10 µg/L).
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates a causal relationship between neonicotinoid exposure and the decline of freshwater insect populations.
- The findings underscore the urgent need to reassess the widespread use of neonicotinoids to protect aquatic insects and dependent ecosystems.
