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Felicioli A, Sagona S, Coppola F, Boni CB, Pinzauti M. Effect of Ageing in the Mating Behaviour Sequence of Osmia cornuta Latr. (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae). INSECTS 2023; 14:335. [PMID: 37103150 PMCID: PMC10145882 DOI: 10.3390/insects14040335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Osmia cornuta Latr. is largely managed worldwide for the pollination of orchard crops, playing a key role in the maintenance of healthy ecosystems and ensuring economic and social benefits for human society. The management techniques of this pollinator include the possibility of delaying emergence from cocoons after diapause, allowing for the pollination of later-blooming fruit crops. In this study, the mating behaviour of bees emerging at the natural time (Right Emergence Insects) and of late-emerged bees (Aged Emergence Insects) was described in order to test if a delay in emergence could affect the mating sequence of O. cornuta. Markov analysis of the mating behaviour revealed the occurrence of antenna motion episodes that were repeated in a stereotyped manner at regular intervals during the mating sequence of both Right Emergence Insects and in Aged Emergence Insects. Pouncing, rhythmic and continuous emission of sound, motion of antennae, stretching of the abdomen, short and long copulations, scratching, inactivity, and self-grooming were identified as the stereotyped behavioural units of a behavioural sequence. The occurrence of short copulations, the frequency of which increased with the age of bees, could lead to a failure in the reproduction of the mason bee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Felicioli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre of Agro-Environmental Research “Enrico Avanzi”, University of Pisa, Via Vecchia di Marina 6, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Sagona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Coppola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre of Agro-Environmental Research “Enrico Avanzi”, University of Pisa, Via Vecchia di Marina 6, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Benedetta Boni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre of Agro-Environmental Research “Enrico Avanzi”, University of Pisa, Via Vecchia di Marina 6, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mauro Pinzauti
- Italian Beekeeping Federation (FAI), Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 101, 00186 Rome, Italy
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Minnameyer A, Strobl V, Bruckner S, Camenzind DW, Van Oystaeyen A, Wäckers F, Williams GR, Yañez O, Neumann P, Straub L. Eusocial insect declines: Insecticide impairs sperm and feeding glands in bumblebees. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 785:146955. [PMID: 33957580 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Insecticides are contributing to global insect declines, thereby creating demand to understand the mechanisms underlying reduced fitness. In the eusocial Hymenoptera, inclusive fitness depends on successful mating of male sexuals (drones) and efficient collaborative brood care by female workers. Therefore, sublethal insecticide effects on sperm and glands used in larval feeding (hypopharyngeal glands (HPG)) would provide key mechanisms for population declines in eusocial insects. However, while negative impacts for bumblebee colony fitness have been documented, the effects of insecticide exposure on individual physiology are less well understood. Here, we show that field-realistic concentrations (4.5-40 ng ml-1) of the neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam significantly impair Bombus terrestris sperm and HPGs, thereby providing plausible mechanisms underlying bumblebee population decline. In the laboratory, drones and workers were exposed to five thiamethoxam concentrations (4.5 to 1000 ng ml-1). Then, survival, food consumption, body mass, HPG development, sperm quantity and viability were assessed. At all concentrations, drones were more exposed than workers due to higher food consumption. Increased body mass was observed in drones starting at 20 ng ml-1 and in workers at 100 ng ml-1. Furthermore, environmentally realistic concentrations (4.5-40 ng ml-1) did not significantly affect survival or consumption for either sex. However, thiamethoxam exposure significantly negatively affected both sperm viability and HPG development at all tested concentrations. Therefore, the results indicate a trade-off between survival and fitness components, possibly due to costly detoxification. Since sperm and HPG are corner stones of colony fitness, the data offer plausible mechanisms for bumblebee population declines. To adequately mitigate ongoing biodiversity declines for the eusocial insects, this study suggests it is essential to evaluate the impact of insecticides on fitness parameters of both sexuals and workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Minnameyer
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Verena Strobl
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Selina Bruckner
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Domenic W Camenzind
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Geoffrey R Williams
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Orlando Yañez
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lars Straub
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern, Switzerland.
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Strobl V, Albrecht M, Villamar-Bouza L, Tosi S, Neumann P, Straub L. The neonicotinoid thiamethoxam impairs male fertility in solitary bees, Osmia cornuta. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 284:117106. [PMID: 33930781 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing loss of global biodiversity is endangering ecosystem functioning and human food security. While environmental pollutants are well known to reduce fertility, the potential effects of common neonicotinoid insecticides on insect fertility remain poorly understood. Here, we show that field-realistic neonicotinoid exposure can drastically impact male insect fertility. In the laboratory, male and female solitary bees Osmia cornuta were exposed to four concentrations of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam to measure survival, food consumption, and sperm traits. Despite males being exposed to higher dosages of thiamethoxam, females revealed an overall increased hazard rate for survival; suggesting sex-specific differences in toxicological sensitivity. All tested sublethal concentrations (i.e., 1.5, 4.5 and 10 ng g-1) reduced sperm quantity by 57% and viability by 42% on average, with the lowest tested concentration leading to a reduction in total living sperm by 90%. As the tested sublethal concentrations match estimates of global neonicotinoid pollution, this reveals a plausible mechanism for population declines, thereby reflecting a realistic concern. An immediate reduction in environmental pollutants is required to decelerate the ongoing loss of biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Strobl
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | | | - Laura Villamar-Bouza
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Pesticides Unit, Parma, Italy
| | - Simone Tosi
- Department of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lars Straub
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern, Switzerland
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Shadmany J, Lee SF, Taylor PW. Real-time PCR-based Y-specific sperm quantification assay in Queensland fruit fly: Insights to patterns of sperm storage. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 30:315-324. [PMID: 33527600 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Studies of reproductive biology in insects often require quantification of sperm production, transfer or storage. Here, we develop a quantitative real-time PCR-based assay using a Y-specific marker for quantification of sperm from spermathecae of female Queensland fruit fly ('Q-fly'), overcoming constraints typical of traditional sperm quantification methods. The assay enables accurate and reliable quantification of as few as 50 sperms and provides a means to analyse large numbers of samples with flexible timing. The real-time PCR method enables revised understanding of how many sperms are stored by female Q-flies, the distribution of storage between the two spermathecae and the relationship between copula duration and sperm storage. Real-time PCR assays based on Y-specific markers provide an effective solution for sperm quantification in tephritid flies, as well as in other insects and potentially other animals with sperm storage organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Shadmany
- Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S F Lee
- Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Black Mountain, ACT, Australia
| | - P W Taylor
- Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
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Botelho MT, Fuller N, Vannuci-Silva M, Yang G, Richardson K, Ford AT. Unusual male size vs sperm count relationships in a coastal marine amphipod indicate reproductive impairment by unknown toxicants. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 233:105793. [PMID: 33667916 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sperm quantity/quality are significant reproductive endpoints with clear links to population level dynamics. Amphipods are important model organisms in environmental toxicology. Despite this, field monitoring of male fertility in invertebrates has rarely been used in monitoring programs. The aim of this study was to compare sperm quality/quantity in an amphipod collected at six UK locations with differing water quality. Due to low sperm counts and an observed lack of relationship between sperm count and weight in amphipods collected from a nationally protected conservation area (Langstone Harbour, England), we also compared datasets from this site over a decade to determine the temporal significance of this finding. One collection to evaluate a female reproductive endpoint was also performed at this site. Interestingly, this harbour consistently presented some of the lowest sperm counts comparable to highly industrial sites and low eggs number from females. Amphipods collected from all the sites, except from Langstone Harbour, presented strong positive correlations between sperm count and weight. Given Langstone Harbour has several international and national protected statutes primarily for marine life and birds, our results indicate that E. marinus, one important food component for wading birds, might be impacted by unknown reproductive stressors. These unknown stressors maybe related to agricultural runoff, leachate from historical landfills and effluent from storm water overflows. This study highlights the importance of exploring new reproductive endpoints such as sperm quantity/quality in marine monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Tenório Botelho
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, PO4 9LY, United Kingdom; Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, 05508-120, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Neil Fuller
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, PO4 9LY, United Kingdom
| | - Monizze Vannuci-Silva
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, PO4 9LY, United Kingdom; Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Gongda Yang
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, PO4 9LY, United Kingdom
| | - Kara Richardson
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, PO4 9LY, United Kingdom
| | - Alex T Ford
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, PO4 9LY, United Kingdom.
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Peterson EM, Green FB, Smith PN. Toxic responses of blue orchard mason bees (Osmia lignaria) following contact exposure to neonicotinoids, macrocyclic lactones, and pyrethroids. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111681. [PMID: 33396013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of particulate matter originating from beef cattle feed yards on the High Plains of the United States has revealed occurrence of multiple pesticides believed to potentially impact non-Apis pollinators. Among these pesticides are those that are highly toxic to Apis mellifera (honey bees). However, little non-Apis bee species toxicity data exist; especially pertaining to beef cattle feed yard-derived pesticides. Therefore, we conducted a series of 96-h contact toxicity tests with blue orchard mason bees (Osmia lignaria) using three neonicotinoids, two pyrethroids, and two macrocyclic lactones. Neonicotinoids (thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, and clothianidin) were most toxic with LD50 values ranging from 2.88 to 26.35 ng/bee, respectively. Macrocyclic lactones (abamectin and ivermectin) were also highly toxic to O. lignaria with LD50 estimates of 5.51-32.86 ng/bee. Pyrethroids (permethrin and bifenthrin) were relatively less toxic with LD50 values greater than 33 ng/bee. Sensitivity ratios for each pesticide were calculated to relate O. lignaria LD50 values to existing honey bee toxicity data. All three neonicotinoids were more toxic to O. lignaria than A. mellifera, but pyrethroids and abamectin were relatively less toxic. Additionally, three of seven pesticides (43%) resulted in significantly different mass normalized LD50 values for male and female O. lignaria. These results indicate that non-Apis pollinators may be highly susceptible to pesticides originating from beef cattle feed yards, necessitating consideration of more stringent regulatory protections than those based on A. mellifera pesticide sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Peterson
- Texas Tech University, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States
| | - Frank B Green
- Texas Tech University, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States
| | - Philip N Smith
- Texas Tech University, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States.
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7
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Strobl V, Camenzind D, Minnameyer A, Walker S, Eyer M, Neumann P, Straub L. Positive Correlation between Pesticide Consumption and Longevity in Solitary Bees: Are We Overlooking Fitness Trade-Offs? INSECTS 2020; 11:E819. [PMID: 33233695 PMCID: PMC7699727 DOI: 10.3390/insects11110819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitous use of pesticides is one major driver for the current loss of biodiversity, and the common practice of simultaneously applying multiple agrochemicals may further contribute. Insect toxicology currently has a strong focus on survival to determine the potential hazards of a chemical routinely used in risk evaluations. However, studies revealing no effect on survival or even indicating enhanced survival are likely to be misleading, if potential trade-offs between survival and other physiological factors are overlooked. Here, we used standard laboratory experiments to investigate the sublethal (i.e., food consumption) and lethal (i.e., survival) effects of two common agricultural pesticides (Roundup® and clothianidin) on adult female solitary bees, Osmia bicornis. The data showed no significant effect of the treatment on cumulative survival; however, a significant positive correlation between herbicide and insecticide exposure and age was revealed, i.e., bees exposed to higher dosages lived longer. As no significant differences in daily food consumption were observed across treatment groups, increased food intake can be excluded as a factor leading to the prolonged survival. While this study does not provide data on fitness effects, two previous studies using solitary bees observed significant negative effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on fitness, yet not on survival. Thus, we conjecture that the observed non-significant effects on longevity may result from a trade-off between survival and reproduction. The data suggest that a focus on survival can lead to false-negative results and it appears inevitable to include fitness or at least tokens of fitness at the earliest stage in future risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Strobl
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.M.); (S.W.); (P.N.)
| | - Domenic Camenzind
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.M.); (S.W.); (P.N.)
| | - Angela Minnameyer
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.M.); (S.W.); (P.N.)
| | - Stephanie Walker
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.M.); (S.W.); (P.N.)
| | - Michael Eyer
- Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland;
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.M.); (S.W.); (P.N.)
| | - Lars Straub
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.M.); (S.W.); (P.N.)
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