The use of moving-image analysis for measuring bait attractiveness and insecticide repellency to the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.)
Abstract
Laboratory tests using moving-image-analysis were developed for studying the movement behavior of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.). Behavioral responses to starvation, changes in lighting, insecticidal baits, and residual insecticides, were recorded in an observation arena. Starvation increased the movement activity of adult males and last instar nymphs, but did not increase adult female movement. Fluorescent light reduced the proportion of time in motion and increased the velocity of adult males. The movement activity of females and nymphs was not affected by lighting conditions. Bait studies measured the attractiveness and palatability of abamectin, boric acid, chlorpyrifos, hydramethylnon, and sulfluramid bait formulations. Results indicated that cockroaches use chemotaxis to find baits over short distances. Feeding deterrence did not occur in baits containing abamectin, hydramethylnon, or sulfluramid, but reduced palatability was indicated for baits containing boric acid and chlorpyrifos. Discrepancies in the data from choice and non-choice tests suggest that both experimental designs be utilized to establish strong inference about bait attractiveness and palatability. Studies using moving-image-analysis measured the repellency (avoidance) and flushing (hyperactivity) action of numerous insecticides to German cockroaches. Repellency was indicated for propoxur and cyhalothrin treatments, but no repellency was shown for chlorpyrifos formulations. Flushing activity was shown for formulations of cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, tralomethrin, and cypermethrin. In these studies males avoided insecticide deposits and had more pronounced movement responses to insecticides than females or nymphs. Results of these studies show that moving-image-analysis is a significant advancement in behavior monitoring techniques. This method will prove useful in a variety of behavior studies with German cockroaches and other insect species.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Bennett, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Entomology
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