Acute toxicity and sub-lethal effects of common pesticides in post-larval and juvenile blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus

► Juvenile blue crabs can inhabit shallow tidal creeks that drain agricultural fields. ► We tested 24 h acute toxicity of pesticides to blue crab megalopae and juveniles. ► Active ingredient toxicity: λ-cyhalothrin > imidacloprid ≈ aldicarb > acephate. ► Sensitivity: megalopae > juveniles; toxicity: commercial ≈ active ingredient. ► Significant metamorphosis-related mortality was found with most of the tested pesticides.