NEONICOTINOIDS VERSUS BEES: A BRIEF REVIEW ON THE EFFECTS ON THESE POLLINATORS AND THE NEED FOR REEVALUATION OF AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

Abstract

Neonicotinoids, a class of widely used insecticides in agriculture, have been associated with significant negative impacts on pollinators, especially bees. This study conducts a systematic literature review to assess the effects of these compounds, with a focus on native and wild species. Exposure to neonicotinoids can cause direct mortality and sublethal effects in bees and other pollinators, impairing foraging behavior and colony health. Among the 42 reviewed articles, the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) was the most investigated species, with 17 mentions. However, the inclusion of native species, such as Bombus terrestris and Melipona scutellaris, is gaining prominence, highlighting the need to protect pollinator diversity to ensure agricultural sustainability and biodiversity. The study concludes that a reassessment of agricultural and regulatory practices is urgently needed to mitigate the effects of neonicotinoids on ecosystems.