Hypersensitive and neurotoxic side effects of permethrin compounds and possibility of buildup of insecticide resistance against pyrethroid insecticides in darkling beetle Luprops tristis F. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), a home-invading nuisance pest necessitates efficacy studies on other class of insecticidal compounds with more target specific action and less mammalian toxicity. The baseline dose- response bioassays conducted on L. tristis during their dormancy phase with three insect growth regulators (IGRs), fenoxycarb, diflubenzuron and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) revealed interesting results. Mortality (LC50 and LC90 ), fecundity and egg hatchability were estimated by exposing dormant beetles to a range of concentrations. These data revealed that their LC50 values are within the permissible mammalian toxicity level. The capacity to reduce fecundity and hatchability of eggs (progeny production) together makes fenoxycarb a safer alternative to other pesticides in tackling L. tristis.

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