Effects of the insecticide chlorpyrifos on mortality, survival, behavior, prey consumption, and digestibility of the predatory stinkbug, Podisusfuscescens

Weslei Dos Santos Cunha ¹, Carlos Henrique Martins de Menezes ¹, Thaiany Moreira Alvarenga ¹

⁰Departamento de Entomologia/BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Chemosphere +

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November 1, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

The insecticide chlorpyrifos significantly reduces survival and alters the behavior of the predatory stink bug, Podisus fuscescens. This impacts its effectiveness as a biocontrol agent in agriculture and forestry.

Area Of Science

Entomology
Pest Management
Environmental Toxicology

Background

Podisus fuscescens is a key predator of caterpillars in agricultural and forest ecosystems.
Broad-spectrum insecticides pose a significant risk to beneficial insects like P. fuscescens.
Understanding insecticide impacts on natural enemies is crucial for integrated pest management.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the effects of the insecticide chlorpyrifos on the survival, behavior, feeding, and digestion of Podisus fuscescens.
To determine the lethal concentrations (LC50, LC25, LC75, LC90) of chlorpyrifos for P. fuscescens.
To assess the potential disruption of biocontrol services provided by P. fuscesces due to chlorpyrifos exposure.

Main Methods

Exposure of P. fuscescens adults to varying concentrations of chlorpyrifos via contact and ingestion.
Monitoring of mortality and survival rates over 48 hours.
Assessment of behavioral changes (movement, resting, meandering).
Evaluation of food consumption and prey preference.
Histological examination of salivary glands and digestive cells.

Main Results

The lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of chlorpyrifos was determined to be 0.50 g L⁻¹.
Survival rates significantly decreased with increasing chlorpyrifos concentrations.
Insecticide exposure altered predator behavior, reducing movement and increasing meandering.
Food consumption was reduced when consuming contaminated prey, and digestive cells were affected, potentially impairing digestibility.

Conclusions

Chlorpyrifos poses a substantial threat to the survival and predatory efficacy of Podisus fuscescens.
The insecticide negatively impacts key biological functions, compromising the role of P. fuscescens as a biocontrol agent.
Findings highlight the need for careful consideration of insecticide use in areas where natural predators are essential for pest control.

Keywords:

Histopathology Insecticide risk Natural enemy Organophosphate Predator-prey relationship Toxicity