Abstract
An efficient antioxidant system is of particular importance for insects whose high metabolic rates promote increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The amount of ROS can be additionally increased by environmental factors. This study investigates the ability of red mason bees (Osmia bicornis L.) to inactivate free radicals during insect development. Both male and female bees were studied, from the larval to the active imago stage. The activity of four antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase, was measured; and glutathione content and total antioxidant status were determined. The highest values of the examined parameters were found in feeding stages-in larvae and in active imagines of both genders. Significant differences between genders were noted mainly in catalase activity, which was lower in overwintering imagines and active females than in males. Most differences were observed between females and males after emergence.
Highlights
The populations of pollinating insects are declining globally, which leads to a huge natural deficiency, and measurable economic losses (Klein et al 2007; Potts et al 2010)
An efficient antioxidant system promotes free radical scavenging activity and repairs the damage done to biomolecules that are essential for life
The efficiency of the antioxidant system is important in insects, at each stage of their ontogenesis
Summary
The populations of pollinating insects are declining globally, which leads to a huge natural deficiency, and measurable economic losses (Klein et al 2007; Potts et al 2010). The problem is exacerbated by the sudden reduction in the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) populations. This phenomenon, referred to as the colony collapse disorder (CCD) syndrome in North America and the colony depopulation syndrome (CDS) in Europe, has been researched extensively, but its causes remain largely unknown. One of them is the red mason bee (Osmia bicornis L.). To A. mellifera, red mason bees have a haplodiploid genetic system, but they clearly differ in their social behavior and life cycle, which makes them a very interesting object of comparative research. O. bicornis have many useful features for planters. All, this polylectic insect is capable of pollinating numerous plant species. Its pollinating efficiency has been demonstrated by numerous studies of apples, strawberries, sour cherries, pears, rapeseed, red clover and black currants
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