Neonicotinoids and bumblebees (Bombus terrestris): effects on nectar consumption in individual workers

作者：Thompson Helen M^*; Wilkins Selwyn; Harkin Sarah; Milner Sarah; Walters Keith F A

来源：Pest Management Science, 2015, 71(7): 946-950.

DOI：10.1002/ps.3868

• bumblebees
• neonicotinoids
• consumption
• antifeedant
• avoidance

BACKGROUNDThe objective of this study was to quantify whether the presence of three different neonicotinoid insecticides (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam or clothianidin) in sucrose solution results in antifeedant effects in individual worker bumblebees (Bombus terrestris), and, if so, whether this effect is reversible if bees are subsequently offered untreated feed.
RESULTSBees exposed to imidacloprid displayed a significant dose-dependent reduction in consumption at 10 and 100 mu g L-1, which was reversed when untreated feed was offered. No consistent avoidance/antifeedant response to nectar substitute with thiamethoxam was detected at the more field-realistic dose rates of 1 and 10 mu g L-1, and exposure to the very high 100 mu g L-1 dose rate was followed by 100% mortality of experimental insects. No reduction in food intake was recorded at 1 mu g clothianidin L-1, reduced consumption was noted at 10 mu g clothianidin L-1 and 100% mortality occurred when bees were exposed to rates of 100 mu g clothianidin L-1.
CONCLUSIONThis study provides evidence of a direct antifeedant effect of imidacloprid and clothianidin in individual bumblebees but highlights that this may be a compound-specific effect.

• 出版日期2015-7