D3082: The effect of multiple pesticides on thermoregulation in European honeybees (Apis mellifera)

European honeybees (Apis mellifera) are the single most important managed pollinators worldwide. However, honeybees and their pollination services are currently threatened due to the effect of multiple environmental stressors (pesticides, parasites, poor nutrition, etc.) that have often resulted in high mortality rates within colonies. The ability to regulate body temperature affects bees at both at the individual or colony level. Several ongoing experiments will be performed to assess the effects of sublethal doses (1%, 5%, and 20% of the lethal dose) of different combinations of pesticides on the bees’ thermal tolerance. Previous studies have only tested the effect of one pesticide, rather than a mixture of several pesticides. This brings the question if a mixture will elicit stronger effects on the bees’ ability to regulate its body temperature than an isolated pesticide. To assess thermal tolerance, we will use a static protocol and place the bees inside a waterbath or oven at a constant temperature. We will use a thermal camera to measure their ability to thermoregulate by contracting their flight muscles. The bees will be collected at various locations in Lawrence, and the experiments will be conducted in Dr. Deborah Smith’s lab at Haworth Hall.