Publication Type:
Journal ArticleSource:
Canadian Journal of Zoology, NRC Research Press, Volume 70, Issue 3, p.505-510 (1992)Call Number:
A92BEL01IDUSURL:
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/z92-076?journalCode=cjzKeywords:
Bacillus thuringiensis, masked shrew, Sorex cinereusAbstract:
A simulated operational spray with Bucillus thuringiensis in a jack pine (Pinus bunksiana) plantation near Gogama, Ontario, showed effects of the insecticide on the population structure, diet, and prey selection of the masked shrew, Sorex cinereus. During the pretreatment period, the abundance and population structure of S. cinereus were similar in the control and experimental areas. Although the total abundance of shrews was also similar after spraying, there were fewer adult males and more juveniles in the treated than in the control area. The emigration of adult males was apparently increased after spraying. Lepidopteran larvae and Araneae were the most abundant items in the diet. After spraying, more lepidopteran larvae were eaten on the control than on the treated area. Juveniles and adult females, but not adult males, shifted from lepidoptran larvae to alternative prey in the treated area. Generalist insectivores such as S. cinereus are more likely to control the abundance of arthropods and less likely to be impacted negatively by selective insecticides such as B. thuringiensis.
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ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology