Which pesticide ingredient can cause developmental issues in beneficial insects?

Neonicotinoids are a class of systemic insecticides that affect the central nervous system of insects, leading to paralysis and death. These chemicals can disrupt the normal development of beneficial insects, such as bees, which are crucial for pollination and maintaining ecosystem balance. The way neonicotinoids work can interfere with the growth and development of larvae, affecting their ability to mature and reproduce.

In contrast, insect growth regulators are designed to mimic hormones in insects, affecting their development but are often less toxic to beneficial species when used correctly. Systemic insecticides may have varying effects based on their formulation and target species, and pyrethroids, while broad-spectrum in their action, typically act on the nervous system of adult insects and are less specifically harmful to developmental stages of beneficial insects compared to neonicotinoids. Thus, neonicotinoids stand out for their potential to impact the development of beneficial insects significantly.