Hydramethylnon Uptake by Blattella germanica (Orthoptera: Blattellidae) by Coprophagy

Abstract

Blattella germanica (L.) that were fed hydramethylnon bait produced residues that were toxic to exposed conspecifics. Insecticidal activity was traced to the feces of treated insects by feeding radiolabeled material, where approximately 50% of the recovered radioactivity was unmetabolized parent compound. Ingestion of toxicant-laden feces by all life stages was evident, but the effect of this behavior was greatest on early instar nymphs. Baits containing toxicants with delayed activity, such as hydramethylnon, probably affect cockroach field populations indirectly through coprophagy.