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The combined effects of a monotonous diet and exposure to thiamethoxam on the performance of bumblebee micro-colonies.pdf (606.4 kB)

The combined effects of a monotonous diet and exposure to thiamethoxam on the performance of bumblebee micro-colonies

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posted on 2023-06-09, 05:05 authored by C Dance, C Botías, Dave GoulsonDave Goulson
There is a pressing need to better understand the factors contributing to declines of wild pollinators such as bumblebees. Many different contributors have been postulated including: loss of flower-rich habitats and nesting sites; monotonous diets; impacts of invasive pathogens; exposure to pesticides such as neonicotinoids. Past research has tended to investigate the impacts of these stressors in isolation, despite the increasing recognition that bees are simultaneously exposed to a combination of stressors, with potentially additive or synergistic effects. No studies to date have investigated the combined effects of a monotonous diet and exposure to pesticides. Using queenless micro-colonies of Bombus terrestris audax, we examined this interaction by providing bees with monofloral or polyfloral pollen that was either contaminated with field-realistic levels of thiamethoxam, a commonly used neonicotinoid, or not contaminated. Both treatments were found to have a significant effect on various parameters relating to micro-colony performance. Specifically, both pesticide-treated micro-colonies and those fed monofloral pollen grew more slowly than those given polyfloral pollen or pollen without pesticides. The two factors appeared to act additively. Micro-colonies given monofloral pollens also exhibited lower reproductive efforts and produced smaller drones. Although further research is needed to examine whether similar effects are found in whole colonies, these findings increase our understanding of the likely effects of multiple stressors associated with agricultural intensification on bee declines.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

ISSN

0147-6513

Publisher

Elsevier

Volume

139

Page range

194-201

Department affiliated with

  • Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2017-02-08

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-03-07

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2017-02-08

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