Changes in terrestrial animal activity of a forest community after an application of aminocarb (Matacil®)

Abstract

The effects of aminocarb on the activity of an animal community were investigated using two sets of sand transects, 25 km apart. Changes in the ratios of animal activity between the treatment and control transects, prespray and postspray, were used to identify impacts. Right after the aerial spray, lepidopteran and arachnid activity significantly decreased; avian activity along the forest floor increased. Chilopoda activity may have increased in response to less competition or predation from arachnids. An increase in food availability could have resulted in an increase in Diplopoda activity. The activity of Mollusca and Annelida decreased during the 2 months after the insecticide application. Bufo americanus and Thamnophis s. sirtalis activity could have been adversely affected by reduced prey availability. The change in bird behaviour appears to have initiated a significant increase in Mustela erminea activity. Reductions in Blarina brevicauda and Clethrionomys gapperi activity may have been related to the increased Mustela erminea activity.