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Dryad

Changes in Culicoides sonorensis feeding behavior following sublethal insecticide exposure

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Jul 18, 2025 version files 21.48 KB

Abstract

Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are economically important biting flies known for transmitting pathogens like bluetongue virus to livestock. In order to control these insects and the diseases they are associated with, livestock producers employ a variety of preventive practices, which commonly include insecticide use. The efficacy of insecticide treatments can wane over time as insects either develop resistance or the active ingredient is degraded in the environment. Sublethal insecticide exposures can change vector behavior in ways that affect vectorial capacity. To determine whether Culicoides feeding behavior is altered by sublethal exposure to commonly used agricultural insecticides, we exposed female C. sonorensis to permethrin and coumaphos at concentrations ranging from LC10-LC30. We also exposed midges to fluralaner at 100 mg/mL. Midges were offered a blood meal at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours post-exposure, and blood feeding success was measured. We identified a significant inhibition of engorgement by permethrin up to 12 hours post-exposure, as well as by fluralaner up to 6 hours post-exposure. Coumaphos engorgement rates were paradoxically heightened in the LC30 group after 18 and 24 hours post-exposure, but decreased at the same timepoints for the LC20 group. The different modes of action of each of these insecticides may account for their differing effects on Culicoides feeding.