Lethal and sublethal toxicity of sulfoxaflor on the coccinellid Adalia bipunctata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The conservation of beneficial insects in agroecosystems, in combination with biological and chemical control, is essential for integrated pest management (IPM) thus, the ban on neonicotinoids has prompted the search for alternative solutions compatible with these principles. Sulfoxaflor, a sulfoximine-based insecticide, has been proposed as a replacement, but its impact on non-target species, such as the two-spotted ladybird Adalia bipunctata (L.), remains insufficiently studied. This coccinellid is a versatile predator, primarily feeding on aphids, and commercialized in Europe as biological control agent. This research evaluated the lethal and sublethal effects of sulfoxaflor on A. bipunctata compared to imidacloprid. Laboratory bioassays assessed mortality, development, fecundity, fertility, and demographic parameters using a population model. Results showed that sulfoxaflor had significantly lower mortality than imidacloprid, with no adverse effects on larvae and minimal impact on adults. While imidacloprid reduced survival, fecundity, and population growth, sulfoxaflor at higher concentrations slightly increased egg fertility and female fecundity, suggesting potential hormetic effects. Demographic modeling indicated that A. bipunctata populations exposed to imidacloprid experienced delayed growth, whereas sulfoxaflor-exposed populations exhibited faster recovery. These findings support sulfoxaflor as a selective and environmentally compatible alternative to neonicotinoids in IPM programs. Further research should explore its long-term ecological effects in field conditions.