Investigation of a permethrin‐induced antifeedant effect in Drosophila melanogaster: An ethological approach

A permethrin‐induced antifeedant effect was demonstrated in Drosophila melanogaster topically treated with a dose of 1.25 ng per fly (LD50 and LD10 were 18.5 and 7.4 ng of permethrin per fly, respectively). The reduction in food consumption in treated flies was due to a decrease in the frequency of feeding and not to the duration of individual meals. These results suggested that the sublethal effect occurred before the process of ingestion. Furthermore, a time‐sampling study of individual flies, 30 min after treatment, revealed that the relative frequency of the components of general behaviour were altered. Specifically, locomotory behaviour and inactivity were significantly decreased in contrast to preening, which increased. Continuous observation for 30 min revealed that whilst the length of preening bouts was unaltered, their frequency of occurrence was significantly increased in permethrin‐treated flies. The length of bouts of locomotory activity was significantly reduced in treated individuals, but the frequency was increased. The length of rest periods was reduced in treated flies, but no influence of the insecticide could be detected on their bout frequency. Sequential analysis of the transition frequencies of the behavioural components suggested that an underlying disorganisation of general behaviour resulted from the insecticide treatment. Further analysis, of the behaviour of those flies that had fed, indicated that the probability of tasting leading to feeding was decreased by permethrin. The increase in preening behaviour was thought to cause the reduction in locomotor activity, that ultimately resulted in the reduction in feeding. This is discussed in relation to the physiological basis of pyrethroid action and a subsequent irritation response to low doses. Copyright © 1985 John Wiley & Sons, Lt