Researcher(s)
- Em Beauchamp, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Douglas Tallamy, Entomology, University of Delaware
Abstract
There have been insufficient studies on the effects of mosquito spraying on non-target animals, such as caterpillars. Here we report that mosquito barrier spray kills caterpillars within 24 hours of eating or being near the foliage. Larvae of four species—three Saturniid and one Sphingid—were given sprayed foliage, while others were given unsprayed foliage. We gave sprayed foliage to first instar, third instar, and fifth instar caterpillars. We also tested how long the spray lingers by feeding tobacco hornworm caterpillars sprayed tomato plant ten days after it was sprayed. Mosquito spraying is very harmful for insects such as moths, and is not effective at killing its target.