Exposure Route Affects the Toxicity Class of Thiamethoxam for the Predatory Bug, <i>Orius albidipennis</i> (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) by Changing Its Fitness

Abstract In many cases, pesticides’ side effects on natural enemies have closely related to their exposure route. We assessed long-term lethal and sublethal of thiamethoxam (TMX) the predatory bug, Orius albidipennis (Reuter), fed Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), through three routes. First-instar nymphs were treated with maximum field recommended concentration (MFRC), ½ MFRC, ¼ MFRC TMX for 24 h. Based results, soil-application treatment (bottom-up effect: plant-aphid-predator) led lowest survival reduction. contrast, leaf-dip (residual contact) aphid-dip (oral route) treatments decreased severely. While had no significant effect adult longevity egg production, all tested concentrations in negatively affected both traits. The hatchability was not by insecticide Among treatments, residual contact oral shortened incubation period compared control, but others failed affect it. Finally, based criteria provided International Organization Biological Integrated Control (IOBC) regarding toxicity classification, systemic (soil) application harmless this predator. However, it moderately harmful (depending concentration) predator exposures, even at MFRC. Given our is compatible O. albidipennis, can improve conservation approaches integrated management A. gossypii.