Abstract
Insects play an important role in the stability of ecosystems by fulfilling key functions such as pollination and nutrient cycling, as well as acting as prey for amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The global decline of insects is therefore a cause for concern, and the role of chemical pesticides must be examined carefully. The lethal effects of insecticides are well understood, but sub-lethal concentrations have not been studied in sufficient detail. We therefore used the western honeybee Apis mellifera as a model to test the effect of the neonicotinoid insecticide clothianidin on the movement, biosensory abilities and odor-dependent conditioning of insects, titrating from lethal to sub-lethal doses. Bees treated with sub-lethal doses showed no significant movement impairment compared to untreated control bees, but their ability to react to an aversive stimulus was inhibited. These results show that clothianidin is not only highly toxic to honeybees, but can, at lower doses, also disrupt the biosensory capabilities of survivors, probably reducing fitness at the individual level. In our study, sub-lethal doses of clothianidin altered the biosensory abilities of the honeybee; possible consequences at the colony level are discussed.
Highlights
Insects are an integral part of many ecosystems, acting as prey for larger animals, and fulfilling important functions, such as pollination and nutrient cycling
We addressed the hypothesis that bees exposed to sub-lethal doses of clothianidin differ from unexposed controls in their ability to react when presented with odor cues
Neonicotinoid insecticides are lethal to insects by design, but even sub-lethal doses could lead insecticides lethal to insects by design, even sub-lethal could lead to to aNeonicotinoid range of physiological andare behavioral effects that have abut deleterious impact doses on beneficial insects a such rangeasofbees
Summary
Insects are an integral part of many ecosystems, acting as prey for larger animals, and fulfilling important functions, such as pollination and nutrient cycling. The abundance of flying insects in nature reserves across Germany has declined by 75% over the past 25 years [1]. 2.8 million tons of insecticides are used worldwide every year [4], including synthetic neonicotinoids, which were first used as seed dressing in the late 1990s [5]. Because of their systemic mode of action, neonicotinoids pass from the treated seed into the complete growing plant, and into the nectar and pollen [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
