> His error was very basic - Imidacloprid and the other neonicotinoids do
not "bind irreversibly" to the receptors at issue.  They were designed to
have reversible binding, as this is the only way to kill pests while not
killing beneficial insects.  

Sure?

From the 'Biochemistry of imidacloprid' by Abbink, J. (Bayerwerk AG,
Wuppertal-Elberfeld (Germany):

The neurophysiological properties of the nicotinergic Acetylcholine
receptors of Stomoxys calcitrans, which include the binding of imidacloprid,
are described in detail. Imidacloprid is the first highly effective
insecticide whose mode of action has been found to derive from almost
complete and virtually irreversivle blockage of postsynaptic nicotinergic
acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system of the insect pest
Stomoxys calcitrans.

Kind regards,

Ghislain De Roeck,
Belgium.

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