How lasting are the effects of pesticides on earwigs? A study based on energy metabolism, body weight and morphometry in two generations of Forficula auricularia from apple orchards

Widespread use of pesticides to control pests is the dominant system in conventional apple orchards. To avoid adverse side effects, there a growing interest promoting alternative methods including biological based on natural enemies. The European earwig Forficula auricularia L. (Dermaptera: Forficuidae) an effective predator Pesticide pressure has been shown divert energy resources which could have negative impact life history traits. In this study we assessed (i) whether variations pesticide exposure differentially reserves, body weight and morphometric parameters F. auricularia, (ii) these effects persist into next generation reared under optimal conditions. Individuals from first were collected late October organic, IPM was obtained rearing program, absence exposure. Earwigs orchards exhibited lower values for all compared those organic However, relaxed period without (in autumn) appears allowed females recover their reserves ensure reproduction maternal care. Glycogen contents that more easily restored. probably due conditions (food ad libitum), earwigs second higher weights than parents.