Vlahovic_2025_Insects_16_

Lymantria dispar larvae were used as a model to study the effects of sublethal chronic dietary aluminum exposure at concentrations of 50, 250, 500, and 1000 microg Al/g dry food (T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively) on fitness traits, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and locomotion. At the lowest concentration, the greatest reduction in mass and AChE activity, as well as an increase in travel distance and time in movement, was observed relative to the control group. Strong positive correlations between larval mass and time in movement were observed in T1. AChE activity correlated positively with larval mass and relative growth rate (RGR) and negatively with locomotion parameters. An increase in relative growth rate led to a decrease in locomotion parameters (250, 500, and 1000 microg Al/g dry food). As the amount of metal increased, there was a trend towards a decrease in locomotion, and the value was observed to approach the control value. This study suggests that aluminum has an influence on the fitness characteristics, AChE activity, and locomotion of L. dispar larvae. The results obtained allow us to better understand the toxicity of aluminum and, at the same time, underline the need for further studies involving insects.