Pests in agriculture cause significant economic losses by reducing production and product quality. Insecticides can be an alternative for pest control, but their use has significant impacts on both the environment and human health. Chlorpyrifos, a widely used insecticide, affects both target and non-target organisms, including spiders. In this study, Mismenops maculatus Spiders at three developmental stages (J0, J2, and adult) recognize the presence of insecticides and its effect on enzyme activity. Results showed that only J0 were able to recognize insecticides and avoid surfaces treated with insecticides. Meanwhile, J0 and adults had reduced acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and the activity of antioxidant enzymes was affected by the treatment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly increased in J0, catalase (CAT) in all stages, glutathione S-transferase (GST) in J2, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in J2 and adults. Exposure to chlorpyrifos did not increase reactive oxygen species in any of the models or alter cell populations.
Romero, S., Laino, A., Gabellone, C., & Garcia, C. (2024). Effects of organophosphate insecticides on the behavior and physiology of the spider Misumenops maculissparsus (Araneae: Thomisidae). Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 110104525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2024.104525
