Abstract
The effects of repetitive 24-hr weekly exposures to diflubenzuron (Dimilin®) on juvenile fiddler crabs (Uca pugilator) were studied in static seawater systems for 10 weeks. Crabs surviving the 10-week exposure period were maintained in clean seawater until death. Survival, molting, and behavior were monitored daily. The no-effect concentration (NOEC) for molting (time to the first molt), survival (time until death), and behavior (ability to escape from the test container) were 20, 2, and 0.2 μg/L DFB, respectively. The behavioral effect induced by diflubenzuron (DFB) exposures (>2 μg/L) was the most sensitive indicator of DFB activity and potentially may influence the ability of juvenile crabs to avoid predation, construct burrows, or feed adequately to survive in nature.
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Cunningham, P.A., Myers, L.E. Effects of diflubenzuron (Dimilin®) on survival, molting, and behavior of juvenile fiddler crabs,Uca pugilator . Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 16, 745–752 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055425
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055425