Influence of heavy metals (Pb and Cd) treated soil on the development and
reproductive capacity of S. gregaria was studied. Oviposition rate was not affected at
any soil concentrations of the metals 50-500 Pb(N02)3 and 10-100ppm CdCI2 used,
laying females were evidently unable to distinguish between treated and untreated
soil. The hatchability rate of the egg laid in heavy metals treated soil was reduced
compared to eggs laid in untreated soil. High concentrations of heavy metals caused an increase in the duration of
immature stages resulting from eggs laid in treated soil. Emerged adults were lighter
and their life span were also shorter as compared with those in control. Adult emerged from egg laid in treated soil revealed a higher accumulation of
the Pb and Cd compared to the untreated control. It could be stated that the
accumulation of metals content in the different body parts and most of the found in the
testes, was affected by the level and the type of metals in the soil.