Changes in social behavior are induced by pesticide ingestion in a Neotropical stingless bee

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Samuel BoffJosué Raizer

Abstract

Throughout evolutionary history bees have developed complex communication systems. For social bees, communication is important for both the individual and the development of the colony. Successful communication helps bees to recognize relatives, defend the colony, and promote recruitment to optimize foraging of floral resources. Bees' contribution to pollination is of broad environmental and economic importance. However, studies have reported that anthropogenic actions, such as the use of pesticides, negatively affect bee survival and behavior. We tested the effect of a commercially available pesticide mix containing two pesticide classes, a neonicotinoid and a pyrethroid, on the social behavior of the stingless bee, Melipona quadrifasciata (Lepeletier, 1863). After determining a sublethal dose of the pesticides, we tested the effect of an acute dose on antennation and trophallaxis behaviors of worker bees. Our results showed a drastic reduction in the communication and social interactions of bees.

Citations

Nov 13, 2020·Journal of Insect Science·Annelise de Souza Rosa-FontanaOsmar Malaspina
Jan 16, 2021·Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety·Samuel BoffDaniela Lupi
Sep 12, 2020·Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety·Yan-Yan WuJames C Nieh
Jun 3, 2021·Sensors·Rodrigo Cupertino BernardesGustavo Ferreira Martins

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