Effects of a Neonicotinoid Insecticide on Larval Stages of the Green Frog, Rana clamitans
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Authors
Bayci, Melissa N.
Issue Date
2011
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Agricultural use of insecticides to increase crop yield is potentially detrimental to
the ecosystem due to potential harmful effects to non-target species living in the same
area. Neonicotinoids are a new class of insecticide that appear less detrimental because of
their increased rate of degradation and ability to bind more readily to the insect
acetylcholine neurotransmitter, rather than that of vertebrates. Their effects on non-target
species such as amphibians, however, are not well understood. In environmental studies,
frogs are commonly used as an indicator taxon of ecosystem conditions because of their
sensitivity to pollutants, ability to absorb chemicals through their skin, and ease of
rearing in laboratory settings. We measured effects of a neonicotinioid insecticide,
imidacloprid, on the green frog Rana clamitans by subjecting tadpoles of this species to
different concentrations of imidacloprid. We examined effects on growth, development,
survivorship and behavior of the tadpoles. The insecticide did not have measurable
effects on tadpole growth or development. On the other hand, the insecticide had a
measurable effect on both survivorship and behavior of green frog tadpoles at the two
highest concentrations, 200 mg/L and 400 mg/L of insecticide. Observed effects could be
a consequence of overstimulation of nerves, which can result in paralysis and/or death of
an organism. Because this study was conducted in a laboratory setting following the acute
toxicity testing protocol, it is unlikely tadpoles would be exposed to such concentrations
in a natural setting. Therefore, although imidacloprid had detrimental effects on
survivorship and behavior in our study, it is likely a safer alternative than other classes of
insecticides if used as directed.
Description
iv, 36 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.