Effect of temperature on predation of Chilocorus bipustulatus L. (Col.: Coccinellidae) feeding on Agonoscena pistaciae (Hem.: Psyllidae)

Chilocorus bipustulatus L. (Col.: Coccinellidae) is a predatory coccinellid with a wide geographical distribution. Biological control programs should have a good understanding of the capacity of a predator to kill the target prey. Therefore, the age-stage specific predation rate and functional response of C. bipustulatus feeding on Agonoscena pistaciae (Hem.: Psyllidae) were studied at 18, 25, and 32 °C (65?±?5%RH and 16 L: 8D) to confirm its potential as a biological control agent of common pistachio psylla. The functional response at 18 and 25 °C were described by type II and type III at 32 °C. The estimated maximum attack rate (T/Th) was at 25 °C. Moreover, the highest net feeding (C₀) was observed at 25 °C (3271.5 psyllids). This laboratory study, thus, suggested that the predatory coccinellid C. bipustulatus reacted to the rise of temperature by enhancing the predation rate on A. pistaciae.

     

The predation consequence of continuous breeding vs starting a new colony of a polyphagous insect predator

The predation rates of a recently collected population of the mirid Macrolophus pygmaeus versus one continuously bred in the laboratory, reared under the same conditions for three generations, were compared in 24-h choice experiments using first to fourth instar nymphs of the aphid Myzus persicae on aubergine and sweet pepper. On aubergine, the mean wet weights for first, second, third and fourth instar nymphs of M. persicae were 46%, 36%, 8% and 14% greater, respectively, compared with aphids on pepper. Adult females from a recently collected field population of M. pygmaeus (MpK) consumed more second and third instars compared with first and fourth instars on aubergine and pepper (79% and 88% of biomass consumed, respectively). M. pygmaeus females (MpV) from a population maintained in the laboratory for more than 15 years consumed more first and second instar nymphs on aubergine. On pepper, consumption by MpV females was relatively constant between instars and unlike other combinations, where third instars contributed the greatest amount of biomass consumed (43–60%), fourth instars contributed the most biomass consumed (51%). The total aphid biomass consumed by the MpK population was twofold greater on pepper and 4.7-fold greater on aubergine when compared with the MpV population. The MpK population consumed more aphid biomass on aubergine compared with pepper while the reverse was the case for the MpV population. Such intraspecific differences may have a significant influence on their efficacy as predators in biological control systems.     

Feeding potential of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptolaemus montrouzieri</Emphasis> against the mealybug <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phenacoccus solenopsis</Emphasis>

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an exotic species native to the USA, damaging cotton and other plant families. The feeding potential of different development stages of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, a biological control agent against mealybugs, was investigated on different development stages of P. solenopsis. Fourth instar grubs and adults of C. montrouzieri were the most voracious feeders on different instars of mealybug. The number of 1^st instar nymphs of mealybug consumed by 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th instar larvae and adult beetles of C. montrouzieri was 15.56, 41.01, 125.38, 162.69 and 1613.81, respectively. The respective numbers of 2^nd and 3^rd instar nymphs of mealybug consumed were 11.15 and 1.80, 26.35 and 6.36, 73.66 and 13.32, 76.04 and 21.16, 787.95 and 114.66. The corresponding figures for adult female mealybugs were 0.94, 3.23, 8.47, 12.71 and 73.40, respectively. The results indicate that C. montrouzieri has the potential to be exploited as a biocontrol agent in North India; inoculative releases of 4^th instar larvae and adults may provide instant control of P. solenopsis. Field experiments should be conducted to determine the efficiency of the ladybird on this mealybug.     

Prey consumption by the mealybug predator <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spalgis epius</Emphasis> on pink hibiscus mealybug (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Maconellicoccus hirsutus</Emphasis>)

The pink hibiscus mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a major pest of economically important crops. The apefly Spalgis epius (Westwood) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) is a potential predator of various species of mealybugs. Studies of its preying potential and preference for prey stages on M. hirsutus are incomplete. An investigation was undertaken to determine the daily prey consumption and preference for prey stages by different larval instars of S. epius reared on M. hirsutus in the laboratory. During the 8-day larval development period with four larval instars of S. epius, the daily prey consumption increased from the first to the seventh day and decreased on the eighth day prior to the prepupal stage. Generally, there was a significant difference in the prey consumption on different days. The 1st to 4th instar larvae of S. epius consumed, respectively, a mean of 181.3, 679.1, 1770.4 and 4333.0 eggs or 19.1, 67.7, 153.0 and 639.0 nymphs or 2.72, 6.26, 13.8 and 32.1 adults of M. hirsutus. When an S. epius larva was fed on M. hirsutus eggs, nymphs and adults separately, it consumed a mean of 6952.6 eggs, 878.8 nymphs or 53.9 adults during its entire development. A single larva of S. epius consumed 2358.3 eggs, 151.2 nymphs and 34.3 adults of M. hirsutus during its entire development when the prey stages were offered all together. The study revealed that S. epius is a voracious predator of M. hirsutus and thus could be utilized as a potential biological control agent.     

Establishment of the pineapple mealybug Dysmicoccus brevipes (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Italy

The establishment of the pineapple mealybug Dysmicoccus brevipes (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Italy is reported in this paper. The different instars of the mealybug found during winter in Sicily on the aerial roots of adult date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.), suggests that D. brevipes has a strong capability to survive and continue its development even under cold temperatures. The establishment of this mealybug in Sicily could represent a serious threat for vineyards, considering the damage observed in South America to the ‘Italia’ grape variety, one of the most widely cultivated table grapes in the island. The application of control strategies should probably be considered.     

亚洲玉米螟幼虫对不同寄主植物的取食选择性

为深入了解亚洲玉米螟Ostrinia furnacalis(Guenée)不同龄期幼虫的取食特性,采用叶碟法对6个科的24种植物进行了测定.结果显示,亚洲玉米螟初孵幼虫选择性试验中,酸模叶蓼上幼虫百分率最高,为29.81％;菜豆上次之,为27.36％.3龄幼虫选择性试验中,菜豆上幼虫百分率最高,为28.66％;酸模叶蓼上次之,为26.21％;该虫较喜食的其它几种植物上幼虫百分率由多到少依次是葎草、向日葵和苘麻,而玉米叶片上的幼虫取食百分率最低,初孵幼虫为0,3龄幼虫为4.28％.5龄幼虫在上述6种植物茎秆或果实上取食停留的时间没有显著差异.试验说明,亚洲玉米螟幼虫保持了对原始寄主的取食特性.     

Effect of native natural enemies and augmentative releases of Chrysoperla rufilabris Burmeister and Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) on the population dynamics of the green apple aphid,Aphis poMi De Geer

Abstract

The impact of native natural enemies, supplemented by augmentative releases of the green lacewing, Chrysoperia rufilabris Burmeister (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), and/or the cecidomyiid, Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), on the population dynamics of the green apple aphid, Aphis pomi De Geer (Homoptera: Aphididae), was assessed in a series of experiments conducted in north central Washington State, USA. In one trial, C. rufiabris alone was released at a rate of 200 eggs or first instar larvae per tree per week for 6 weeks; in a second experiment, it was released in combination with A. aphidimyza at rates of 400 eggs and 250 pupae respectively per tree per week. In a final trial, A. aphidimyza alone was released at a rate of 200 pupae per tree per week for the duration of the growing season. The dominant native natural enemies in the study area were Chrysopa nigricornis Burmeister, A. aphidimyza. Onus sp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), and various species of Syrphidae, Chamaemyiidae, and Coccinellidae (principally Coccinelle transversoguttata Faldermann and Hippodamia convergens Guerin). Exclusion cage techniques indicated that this native natural enemy complex caused significant mortality of A. pomi. However, no effect of the augmentative release treatments could be demonstrated, and where plant growth was vigorous and aphid populations high, the numerical response of indigenous generalist predators was insufficient to keep A. pomi densities below damaging levels.     

Life table and some feeding features of Nephus kreissli fed on Planococcus ficus

In this study certain biological and prey consumption features of the predator of mealybug, namely Nephus kreissli Fürsch & Uygun (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), fed on vine mealybug Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), were determined under the laboratory conditions. Experiments were performed in the acclimatized room under 28?±?1°C, 60?±?10% r.h. and a photoperiod of 16:8 h(L:D) conditions. To determine the biological features of the coccinellid, predator individuals were continuously observed from egg stage to end of adult stage. The development, survival and fecundity of N. kreissli were determined and all the measured data were recorded daily. The total development time from egg to the eclosion of adult stage was determined as 31.6?±?0.4 days. The lifespan of males and females was 66.0?±?3.8 and 65.8?±?3.5 days, respectively; and a single female laid 122.6 eggs. The raw data related to life history were analyzed by using the age-stage, two-sex life table. The intrinsic rate of increase, the net reproductive rate, and the mean generation time were 0.0709?±?0.0036 d^?1, 53.1?±?9.5 offspring and 55.8?±?1.3 days, respectively. The first and second instars of N. kreissli preferred egg stages of P. ficus to other stages of mealybug. On the other hand, third and fourth instars and adult predators preferred the second and third instar nymphs and adult females of the prey. It was determined that the egg consumption of N. kreissli increased with the development of larval stages, and that the highest consumption was recorded in its fourth instar.     

A comparison of the effects of the nematodes Radopholus similis and Pratylenchus goodeyi on growth,root health and yield of an East African highland cooking banana (Musa AAA-group)

We combined two protein-marking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) with a predator gut content ELISA to monitor the movement and feeding activity of commercially-purchased Hippodamia convergens Guèrin-Mèneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) under realistic field conditions during two field seasons in central Arizona. The protein-marking ELISAs were used to differentiate released H. convergens from the native beetles. Commercially purchased beetles marked with rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) were released into cotton fields and chicken IgG marked beetles were released into adjacent cantaloupe fields. Results showed that the total native beetle abundance in each crop was about the same size. The recovery rates after 15 days for the released beetles were less than 1.0% over all the releases, indicating that they dispersed readily from the release site. Of the recaptured beetles containing rabbit IgG (cotton), 82.2% were recovered in cotton and 11.8% moved to cantaloupe. Of those containing chicken IgG (cantaloupe), 66.5% were recovered in cantaloupe and 33.5% moved to cotton. A predator gut content ELISA was used to determine if there were differences in the frequency of predation of released versus indigenous H. convergens on the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii Bellows &; Perring (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). The proportion of beetles containing whitefly antigens was always higher for the released beetles than for their native counterparts. Our results demonstrate an approach to combine protein marking and predator gut content ELISAs that allows the simultaneous comparison of feeding and intercrop movement of native and commercially-obtained biological control agents.     

Data on ecology of the purple scale Lepidosaphes beckii (Newman) on citrus in Greece

The ecology of the purple scale Lepidosaphes beckii (Newman) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) was studied on citrus, in the area of Kalamata (Messinia ‐ Peloponnese) from May 2009 to May 2011. Observations on infested citrus branches were conducted to study the phenology of the scale. Yellow sticky traps were hung in infested trees and examined to monitor the flights of male L. beckii as well as the flights of adults of parasitoids and predators of this pest. Lepidosaphes beckii mainly infested the leaves and fruits and to a lesser extent the shoots and stems. During the period of the study all developmental stages of L. beckii were found. Sticky transparent band traps were also placed on shoots and were examined to monitor the fluctuation in the population of crawlers. From the crawlers caught in the traps three population peaks were recorded in June, August and October. Natural enemies of the scale consisted of the parasitoids Aphytis lepidosaphes Compère and Encarsia sp. (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), which together parasitized up to 32% of L. beckii as well as the predators Chilocorus bipustulatus (L.) and Rhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).     

First record of the mealybug Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, 1923 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) in Algeria

The mealybug Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) is recorded from Algeria for the first time. This pest was first detected in the summer of 2018 in private gardens in Salamandre, on the coastal side of Mostaganem City in north‐western Algeria, feeding on three ornamental plants: Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis L., Hibiscus syriacus L. (Malvaceae) and Cestrum nocturnum L. (Solanaceae). In October 2018, it was also found on Aloysia citriodora Palàu (Verbenaceae) growing near Hibiscus. The first samples collected had been attacked by hymenopteran parasitoids. Surveys of ornamental nurseries and greenhouses growing vegetables in the area indicate that, at present, P. madeirensis seems to be restricted to ornamental plants. More surveys over larger areas are needed to determine its distribution and the likely origin of its introduction to Algeria.     

Bioactivity of pyrogallol against melon fruit fly, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bactrocera cucurbitae</Emphasis>

The insecticidal effects of pyrogallol were studied by treating eggs and larvae of the melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Tephritidae: Diptera), with various concentrations (1, 5, 25, 125, 625 and 3125 ppm) of the phenolic compound. Although egg hatching decreased following treatment of 0–8-h old eggs with pyrogallol, the decrease was not significantly different from the control. Larval period and total development period declined significantly in 64–72-h-old and 88–96-h-old B. cucurbitae larvae fed on pyrogallol-treated diet. However, in the 44–48-h-old larvae, the larval period and total development period were not affected by pyrogallol treatment at any of the tested concentrations. None of them survived up to the pupal stage at the highest concentration. Number of pupae formed and adult emergence decreased significantly in all larval instars following feeding on pyrogallol-treated diet. The analysis of enzymes in 64–72-h-old larvae treated with LC₄₀ concentration (16.21 ppm) of pyrogallol at three time intervals, i.e., 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, showed significant induction in the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APOX) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) at 24 h but a decrease was observed following prolonged treatment. On the other hand, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidases (POX) activity remained suppressed during the initial treatment interval but increased with prolonged treatment in 136–144-h-old larvae. The catalase (CAT) activity was suppressed at all treatment durations whereas glutathione reductase (GR) activity was not affected by pyrogallol treatment. An increase in the activities of ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidases and glutathione S-transferases indicates an induction of defensive response of the melon fruit fly to the toxic effects produced by ingestion of pyrogallol. Although the effects of the compound on enzyme activity were tested on second instar, it would be interesting to see the effects on other instars too.     

Biological control of the prickly pear cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)

The prickly pear cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) is a serious pest that causes severe damage to prickly pear cactus species of the genus Opuntia. Before its introduction to Morocco no control methods were available for use against this pest. The current paper presents the results of the use for the first time of the mealybug destroyer Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and the biopesticide d ‐limonene to control D. opuntiae. The efficacy of the biopesticide was evaluated under field conditions. Corrected female mortality rates were >82% 6 days after application of d ‐limonene at 60 ppm. The greatest mortality rates 6 days after treatment were 98% and 99% at 120 and 150 ppm, respectively. The data analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the different doses 6 or 13 days after treatment. The LD₅₀ recorded was 33 ppm. In terms of biological control, the use of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri significantly reduced the cochineal scale population by 92% 77 days after release. This effect was maintained until 99 days after release of C. montrouzieri, and then the rate of population reduction declined to the level observed 64 days after release (66%). These results suggest that C. montrouzieri has the potential to suppress D. opuntiae populations to an acceptable level and reduce the damage caused by this cochineal.     

Daily consumption and predation rate of different<Emphasis Type="Italic">Stethorus punctillum</Emphasis> instars feeding on<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tetranychus urticae</Emphasis>

Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the prey stage preference and the daily consumption of each stage of the coccinellid predatorStethorus punctillum Weise (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) feeding on the two-spotted spider miteTetranychus urticae (Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae). Groups of different life stages of the prey were offered (eggs, larvae, nymphs and adults). The prey preference varied with the stage ofS. punctillum. First larval instars had no significant preference among theT. urticae stages offered. Second larval instars consumed significantly more spider mite larvae in comparison with nymphs. In contrast, third larval instars indicated a strong preference for mite eggs. Significantly fewerT. urticae larvae were consumed by the fourth larval instars ofS. punctillum, in comparison with the three other mite stages. Finally, adult predators consumed significantly more mite eggs than the other stages offered. This preferential trend was similar for all adults tested, whether during the pre-oviposition or the oviposition period. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Feb. 17, 2004.     

Data on the ecology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kermes echinatus</Emphasis> Balachowsky (Hemiptera,Coccomorpha, Kermesidae) on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus ilex</Emphasis> (Fagaceae) in Greece

The Phenology and natural enemies of the scale insect Kermes echinatus Balachowsky (Hemiptera: Kermesidae), which infests the holly oak Quercus ilex (Fagaceae), were studied between November 2015 and November 2017, in southern Greece (Kalamata, Peloponnese). Kermes echinatus is a univoltine, oviparous and biparental species. It overwinters as 1st instar nymphs, settling on the branches of the trees. The second instar nymphs appear by the middle of April, followed by 3rd instar nymphs until the end of May. The male larvae and pupae were recorded from the end of April to the end of May. Mature females, pre-ovipositing and ovipositing adults, were recorded during May and June. The newly hatched crawlers appeared by the end of June, which remained at this stage, settled on branches during the rest of summer and winter periods till next April. The parasitoid species Metaphycus gennaroi Guerrieri & Noyes and the hyperparasite Cheiloneurus claviger Thomson (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) were recorded on the colonies of the scale. The parasitism level of the scale reached to 21%. The predator Chilocorus bipustulatus L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was also recorded on the colonies of the scale.     

Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, 1923 (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) on Ocimum basilicum: a new geographical record for Greece

In Greece, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, 1923 (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) was identified for the first time in June 2010 in the regions of Thessaloniki, Xanthi and Kavala (Northern Greece). This mealybug was found on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). The highest population densities were observed on basil stems rather than on the leaves. Phenacoccus madeirensis is a serious pest of horticultural crops and this is its first record on O. basilicum in Greece.     

Comparative biology of Mallada desjardinsi (navas) and Chrysoperla congrua (walker) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), predators of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and aphis gossypii (glover) (Homoptera: Aphididae) on cotton in eastern Tanzania

The developmental biology of Mallada desjardinsi (Navas) and Chrysoperla congrua (Walker) on the American bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera and the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii was studied in the laboratory at 28–32°C. Total larva! periods of M. desjardinsi and C. congrua on H. armigera eggs were 14.4 and 14.8 days respectively. However, when reared on A. gossypii larval periods of M. desjardinsi and C. congrua were 14.9 and 13.5 days respectively. When reared on H. armigera 52.9% and 25% respectively of third instars of M. desjardinsis and C. congrua sp. died before pupation. However, when reared on A. gossypii 82.6% and 46.9% respectively of third instars of M. desjardinsi and C. congrua died before pupation. Thus, H. armigera eggs and A. gossypii nymphs were both adequate but not optimal diets for chrysopid larval development. The number of prey consumed by M. desjardinsi and C. congrua increased with instar. Total larval consumption of H. armigera by M. desjardinsi and C. congrua was determined to be 135.5 and 169.8 eggs respectively. However, total larval consumption of A. gossypii by M. desjardinsi and C. congrua was found to be 189.0 and 171.8 nymphs respectively. Because of its longer larval period, and higher consumption of A. gossypii, M. desjardinsi would be better suited for use against A. gossypii than C. congrua. In contrast, C. congrua whose consumption of H. armigera was higher than that of M. desjardinsi although their larval periods were similar, would appear promising for control of H. armigera.     

Rhyzobius lophanthae prey consumption and fecundity

The daily and total prey consumption and the fecundity of the predatorRhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) fed on the scaleAspidiotus nerii Bouché (Homoptera: Diaspididae) were studied under controlled laboratory conditions. The prey consumption ofR. lophanthae was studied on larvae and on virgin adults, and the fecundity on mated females. For the development of the 1 st instar larvae ofR. lophanthae at 25° C, 1.2 adult femaleA. nerii were consumed; for the development of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae, prey consumption was 2.7, 7.5 and 24.6 adult females, respectively. The duration of the larval development of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars was 3, 2.2, 2.7 and 6.2 days, respectively,R. lophanthae male and female adults consumed in their lifetime 390.6 and 672.3 adult femaleA. nerii, respectively. Thus, the male’s daily prey consumption came to 7 and the female’s to 12 adult femaleA. nerii. The average fecundity ofR. lophanthae was calculated to be 633.7 eggs per female and the daily fecundity to be 18–25 eggs. The average longevity was 63.4 days for mated adult females and 119.4 days for unmated.     

Suitability of different mealybug species as hosts to solitary endoparasitoid,Aenasius arizonensis (Girault) ( = Aenasius bambawalei Hayat)

We investigated the suitability of six mealybug species, namely Phenacoccus solenopsis, Saccharicoccus sacchari, Paracoccus marginatus, Drosicha mangiferae, Nipaecoccus viridis and Ferrisia virgata as hosts to Aenasius arizonensis ( = Aenasius bambawalei). The study was conducted to ascertain a viable parasitic relationship between a parasitoid species and different mealybug hosts. Successful parasitization, complete development of immature stages within the host and adult emergence was observed only in P. solenopsis, whereas, other mealybug species were not found suitable as hosts by the parasitoid in both choice and no-choice tests. The development studies of A. arizonensis on P. solenopsis showed that the mean duration from oviposition to mummy formation was 6.13 days, while, from mummy formation to adult emergence, it was 5.43 and 7.05 days for male and female, respectively. The total development period from oviposition to adult emergence was 11.28 days for males and 13.13 days for females. Female adults (19.96 days) live longer as compared to male adults (7.83 days). Among different mealybug species, P. solenopsis was observed to be the only ecological and fundamental host of A. arizonensis.     

Toxicity of δ‐phenothrin and resmethrin to non‐target insects

BACKGROUND: The susceptibility of adult house cricket, Acheta domesticus (L.), adult convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens (Guérin‐Méneville), and larval fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith), to resmethrin and δ‐phenothrin synergized with piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was evaluated in a laboratory bioassay procedure. RESULTS: The 1 day LC₅₀ values for resmethrin + PBO were 23.2, 32.08 and 307.18 ng cm^?2 for A. domesticus, H. convergens and S. frugiperda respectively. The 1 day LC₅₀ values for δ‐phenothrin + PBO were 26.9, 74.91 and 228.57 ng cm^?2 for A. domesticus, H. convergens and S. frugiperda respectively. The regression relationship between species mortality and concentration explained 51–81% of the variation for resmethrin + PBO and 72–97% of the variation for δ‐phenothrin + PBO. The LC₅₀ values decreased with time for these insecticides for all surrogate species. In terms of sensitivities among the insects to resmethrin + PBO and δ‐phenothrin + PBO, A. domesticus was most sensitive, followed by H. convergens and then S. frugiperda. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that resmethrin + PBO was generally more toxic than δ‐phenothrin + PBO. Based on the results, A. domesticus seems to be a good surrogate species for estimating potential non‐target terrestrial insect impacts from exposure to pyrethroids used in public health applications. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry