Species-Specificity of Toxicants as Related to Route of Administration

Abstract

Tests were made with arsenic, DDT, ethylene dichloride, nicotine, and parathion applied parenterally, enterally, topically and by inhalation to adults of Apis mellifera and Oncopeltus fasciatus and to larvae of Popillia japonica and Galleria mellonella. The results indicated that species-specificity is definite and is only partially overcome by changing the route of administration of the toxicant. Compared on the basis of the most effective route of administration, no 2 of the insecticides tested ranked the insects in the same order of susceptibility, although parenteral injn. was generally the most effective route. Of the insects studied, no 2 spp. ranked the insecticides in the same order of toxicity as based on the most effective route of administration.