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Action of amorphous silica dusts on the German cockroach Blattella germanica (Linneaus) (Orthoptera: Blattidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

G. N. J. Le Patourel*
Affiliation:
Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Silwood Park, Ascot, UK
J. J. Zhou
Affiliation:
Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Silwood Park, Ascot, UK
*
Dr G. N. J. Le Patourel, Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, UK

Abstract

Adult male German cockroaches were exposed to deposits of amorphous precipitated and pyrogenic silicas in continuous and discontinuous contact bioassays. LC50S of precipitated silicas in the former case generally increased with oil adsorption capacity of the dusts; variability in response in discontinuous contact bioassays was apparently due to grooming of appendages following pick-up of dust aggregates. The toxicity of silica deposits in half-treated choice boxes varied with relative humidity and was effectively eliminated at 95% r.h. or when free water was provided. Cockroaches accumulated in the untreated side of the box irrespective of r.h.; the mechanism of this effect is discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1990

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