Acetochlor alters hunger adaptation in lizards (Eremias argus): Metabolic strategy shifts under energy crisis

The application of the herbicide exerts detrimental effects on wild reptiles through direct toxicological impacts and indirect food scarcity mediated via the food chain. This study investigated the effects of acetochlor on the physiological ability of lizards ( Eremias argus ) to cope with food restrictions. To explore, a 70-day crossover experiment was designed involving exposure to different concentrations of acetochlor (0, 2.0, 10.0 mg·kg −1 ) combined with different feeding regimes (food restriction/food unrestriction treatments). The growth performance, behavior, physiological and biochemical indicators, and energy metabolism related endpoints of lizards were evaluated. Lizards usually adopt conservative strategies when dealing with food restrictions, manifested by converting energy metabolism into lipid metabolism, generating a large amount of ketone bodies to supply energy to the body, thereby reducing physiological investment and unnecessary behavior. Acetochlor disrupts lipid metabolism in lizards. Acetochlor and food restrictions lead to increased immune, detoxification, and oxidative stress responses inputs in lizards. However, the lack of energy-rich substances resulted in poor adaptation among the lizards, leading to a significant increase in mortality rates. Our work emphasises that herbicides not only threaten wildlife through direct toxicity but also undermine their ability to withstand natural environmental challenges. • Lizards elevate corticosterone levels in response to food restriction. • Lizards utilize ketone bodies for energy in response to food restriction. • Acetochlor inhibits ketone body production. • Acetochlor affects thyroid hormones in lizards by interfering with the HPT axis .