In-vitro comparison of the larvicidal activity of moxidectin and abamectin against Onthophagus gazella (F.) (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae) and Haematobia irritans exigua De Meijere (Diptera Muscidae)

Abstract

When incorporated directly into cattle dung, a formulation of moxidectin was less toxic to larvae of the dung beetle Onthophagus gazella and the buffalo fly, Haematobia irritans exigua, than an abamectin formulation. Concentrations of moxidectin 64-fold greater than abamectin concentrations were required to produce equivalent toxicities. Neither moxidectin nor abamectin reduced oviposition by O. gazella. Moxidectin may consequently be less likely than abamectin to affect the decomposition of cattle dung but may have less effect on buffalo fly infestations.