PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENTAL STABILITY OF CHRYSOPA-PERLA L (NEUROPTERA, CHRYSOPIDAE) IN RESPONSE TO ENVIRONMENTAL-POLLUTION

The level of developmental stability of Chrysopa perla L. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) collected from control and contaminated sites in the vicinity of an agrochemical manufacturing facility was assessed using fluctuating asymmetry and phenodeviant analyses. There were no significant differences in the level of asymmetry between control and contaminated sites for four characters. The number of phenodeviants for two characters was significantly greater at sites located in close proximity to the facility compared with a control site. Results are discussed with reference to the relationship between asymmetry and phenodeviants as indicators of stability and the use of developmental stability as a means of assessing environmental quality.