The effect of benzoilfenylureas on the reproduction of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) was studied. Third instar larvae were treated with either lufenuron or flufenoxuron by ingestion and contact (DL60 rate). The surviving larvae were observed until the adult stage. Adult males and females were mated in different combinations between treated and untreated individuals. The following variables were studied: average number of spermatophore, female fecundity and percentage of ecloded larvae (egg viability). A small change in spermatophore number (ca. 1 to 1.5) was noted specially in the combinations where males were obtained from treated larvae. The percentage of fecundity of females and hatched larvae decreased (ca. 45% and 30%) when both sexes were obtained from larvae treated with lufenuron and flufenoxuron.
Insecta; moth; chitin synthesis inhibitor; reproduction
