The Toxicity of Commonly Used Orchard Chemicals to Stethorus Nigripes (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The toxicity of 40 pesticides commonly used in orchards to adults of the predatory coccinellid, Stethorus nigripes (Kapur), was determined. Twelve of these chemicals including azinphos methyl 0.05%, carbaryl 0.1%, malathion 0.05% and aminocarb 0.075% proved to be highly toxic to the beetles while fifteen chemicals were relatively non‐toxic. These latter materials and possibly some with intermediate toxicity could be considered for use in an integrated control programme.