Home

Non-target arthropod testing with the lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea)

The acute toxicity of Chrysoperla carnea larvae will be measured in the laboratory via contact on treated glass surfaces or treated leaves, respectively, compared to a water treated control and to a reference item. Additionally, an assessment for significant sublethal effects will be made (reproduction assessment). If possible the LR50 value for mortality effects will be calculated.

Study Design

Test organisms

The lacewing Chrysoperla carnea is recommended as standard species for non-target arthropod regulatory testing for plant protection products (Candolfi et al. 2001).

Course of the test

Exposure time will last until pupae are transferred to the reproduction units for development of adults. Mortality checks will be carried out regularly until hatching of adult lacewings. In addition, for the control and the test item treatment groups where the corrected mortality is less than 50 % the reproduction performance of the adults, i.e. egg deposition and larval hatching rate, will be determined (2 checks/week, 24 hours period each assessment).

Tailor-made study designs

The study can also be performed in an aged residue design. For this study type plants will be treated under field conditions and the treated leaves will be transferred to the lab after aging of a determined time period. The course of the test is the same as described above.

Endpoints

Larval and pupal mortality; if possible LR50: lethal rate producing 50 % pre-imaginal mortality. Additionally reproductive capacity of survived lacewings.

Guidelines and Literature

  • Vogt H., Brown K., Candolfi M., Kühner C., Moll M., Travis A., Ufer A., Waldburger M., Waltersdorfer A. & Bigler F. 2000: Laboratory method to test effects of plant protection products on larvae of Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). - In: Candolfi, M.P., Blümel, S., Forster, R., Bakker, F.M., Grimm, C., Hassan, S.A., Heimbach, U., Mead-Briggs, M.A., Reber, B, Schmuck, R. & H. Vogt (edt.) (2000): Guidelines to evaluate side-effects of plant protection products to non-target arthropods. IOBC/ WPRS, OILB/SROP: pp 27-44