The toxicity of six "reduced risk" insecticides to Galendromus occidentalis in the laboratory

Commercially formulated insecticides were applied with a thin layer chromatography sprayer adjusted to 1.5 PSI. The ``modified excised leaf disc`` method was used in a ``worst case laboratory exposure`` to measure toxicity against adults, larvae, eggs and fecundity. Chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide were totally innocuous to all growth stages of the predator. Novaluron, clothianidin, spinotoram and spirotetramat had at least a toxic effect on one growth stage at the recommended field rates. The label rate for spinetoram was 14.02 fold the LC50 value and the field rate of clothianidin was 6.09 fold the LC50 value. When field studies are planned they should take into account the results of this study along with the intended use and behaviour of the predator.