The effects of chlordane and rotenone on the alimentary tract of the field cricket.

Cricket nymphs (Acheta pennsylvanicus) were treated with the publicly available, commercial forms of 2 generically termed stomach poisons; chlordane and rotenone, and the resulting tissue changes were histologically compared against a control group. Examination utilized stained and unstained slides of the insect's fat body, alimentary tract, and malpighian tubules. The 2 dissimilar operating insecticides shared common effects such as the storage of dark bodies in the fat body, and the structural disruption of the caecal lining and the malpighian tubules. In addition, a unique effect of chlordane was shown that had not been conclusively recorded before. This insecticide demonstrated the striking ability to rapidly penetrate the internal digestive tract cuticle lining of the proventricular plates resulting in cellular damages. Concern is expressed about chronic exposures to the insecticides, especially chlordane, since it has widespread use and long persistence.