Toxicity of the Systemic Insecticide, Imidacloprid, to Forest Stream Insects and Microbial Communities

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Abstract
Imidacloprid was added to laboratory aquatic microcosms at concentrations of 12, 24, 48 and 96 μg/L to determine effects on leaf-shredding aquatic insect survival and feeding rates, and on aquatic microbial decomposition of leaf material. Survival of the stonefly, Pteronarcys dorsata, was significantly reduced at 48 and 96 μg/L. There was no significant mortality of the cranefly, Tipula sp., but most surviving tipulids were very sluggish and non-responsive to prodding at 48 and 96 μg/L. Leaf decomposition by these leaf-shredding insects was significantly reduced at all test concentrations. There were no significant adverse effects on microbial decomposition of leaf material.