The objective was to evaluate the selectivity of pesticides used in coffee crops to larvae of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) and their effects on the subsequent developmental stages of the predator. The treatments in g a.i./L of water were: 1 - endosulfan (Thiodan 350 CE - 1.75), 2 - chlorpyrifos (Lorsban 480 CE - 1.2), 3 - betacyfluthrin (Turbo 50 CE - 0.013), 4 - sulphur (Kumulus 800 PM - 4.0), 5 - azocyclotin (Peropal 250 PM - 0.31), 6 - copper oxichloride (Cuprogarb 500 PM - 5.0) and 7 - control (water). The products were sprayed on first, second and third-instar larvae using a Potter's tower. The larvae were individualized in glass tubes and maintained at 25 ± 2ºC, RH of 70 ± 10% and 12h photophase. The toxicity of the pesticides was calculated based in their total effect (E) and classified according to recommendations of IOBC. Chlorpyrifos and betacyfluthrin were harmful to first-instar larvae (E > 99%). Endosulfan, sulphur, azocyclotin and copper oxichloride were harmless to first-instar larvae and the others were selective. Chlorpyrifos was also toxic to second and third-instar larvae, and the other compounds were selective (E < 30%). None of the pesticides affected the duration and survival rate of pupae or the sex ratio of the adults originated from treated larvae. Endosulfan, sulphur, azocyclotin and copper oxichloride were harmless to the larval stage of C. externa and did not affect the subsequent stages, so that they can be recommended in IPM programs for the coffee crop.
Insecta; Coffea arabica; green lacewing; insecticide; acaricide; selectivity
