Resistance to benzoylphenyl urea insecticides in Australian populations of the sheep body louse

摘要

A laboratory bioassay based on the failure of eggs laid by diflubenzuron-treated sheep body lice Bovicola ovis (Schrank) (Phthiraptera; Trichodectidae) to produce nymphs is described. The test is capable of detecting benzoylphenyl urea-resistant populations. A susceptible discriminating dose (topical treatment of female lice with 0.10 mu g diflubenzuron) suitable for screening suspect resistant populations is suggested but testing of further populations that are naive to these insect growth regulator insecticides is warranted.