Neonicotinoid exposure disrupts bumblebee nest behavior, social networks, and thermoregulation
Abstract
Neonicotinoid pesticides cause mortality and decline in insect pollinators. One repeatedly noted effect is a reduction in bee colony size. However, the mechanism behind this reduction is unclear. Crall et al. performed complex real-time monitoring of bumblebee behavior within their nests (see the Perspective by Raine). Neonicotinoid exposure reduced nurse and caretaking behaviors, which affected productivity and harmed colony thermoregulation. These changes in behavior acted together to decrease colony viability, even when exposure was nonlethal.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Nov 09, 2018
- Source ID
- 10.1126/science.aat1598
Entities
People
- Andrea Brown
- Ashlee N Ford Versypt
- Benjamin L. de Bivort
- Biswadip Dey
- Callin M Switzer
- Claire Guérin
- James D Crall
- Mackay Eyster
- Naomi Pierce
- Robert L Oppenheimer
- Stacey A Combes
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Harvard University
- National Science Foundation
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
- Princeton University
- Rockefeller Foundation
- United States Department of Defense
- University of California
- University of Lausanne
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- University of New Hampshire
- University of Washington
- Winslow Foundation