Beteendeeffekter av pesticiden imidakloprid på röd skogsmyra Formica rufa

Sammanfattning

Neonicotinoids are a group of insecticides that pose a serious threat for insects, invertebrates, and birds. Imidacloprid is a type of neonicotinoid that is available on the Swedish market and in this study, I investigated the effects this pesticide has on the behavior on red wood ant (Formica rufa) while exposed to sublethal doses. The ants were exposed to imidacloprid (100mg/l) in a glucose solution and behavioral changes was observed and compared to a control group that got only glucose solution. The exposed ants showed changes in behavior regarding: 1) decreased activity, 2) less exploration, and 3) increased distance to other ants. My conclusion is that imidacloprid in non-lethal concentrations still could cause changes in ant behavior that possibly have lethal consequences in complex ecosystem where the ants need to forage and avoid predators.