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Young MG, Just J, Lee YJ, McMahon T, Gonzalez J, Noh S, Angelini DR. Seasonally increasing parasite load is associated with microbiome dysbiosis in wild bumblebees. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.30.569473. [PMID: 38077090 PMCID: PMC10705496 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.30.569473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The microbiome is increasingly recognized for its complex relationship with host fitness. Bumblebees are host to a characteristic gut microbiome community that is derived and reinforced through social contact between individuals. The bumblebee microbiome is species-poor, and primarily composed from a small number of core taxa that are associated with the greater tribe of corbiculate bees. Experimental findings support a role for the core bumblebee microbiome in resistance to severe infections by a common trypanosomal parasite, Crithidia bombi. However, most studies have been small in scale, often considering just one or two bumblebee species, or making use of commercially-reared bees. To better understand the microbiome diversity of wild populations, we have deeply sampled field populations of ten sympatric species found throughout central and down east Maine in a three-year microbiome field survey. We have used 16S amplicon sequencing to produce microbiome community profiles, and qPCR to screen samples for infections by Crithidia bombi. The breadth of our dataset has enabled us to test for seasonal and interspecific trends in the microbiome community. Controlling for these external sources of variation, we have identified microbial factors associated with infection and parasite load that support the role of the core microbiome in resistance to severe infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark G. Young
- Colby College, Department of Biology, 5700 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
| | - Josefine Just
- Colby College, Department of Biology, 5700 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
| | - Ye Jin Lee
- Colby College, Department of Biology, 5700 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
| | - Thomas McMahon
- Colby College, Department of Biology, 5700 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
| | - James Gonzalez
- Colby College, Department of Biology, 5700 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
| | - Suegene Noh
- Colby College, Department of Biology, 5700 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
| | - David R. Angelini
- Colby College, Department of Biology, 5700 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901, USA
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Feuerborn C, Quinlan G, Shippee R, Strausser TL, Terranova T, Grozinger CM, Hines HM. Variance in heat tolerance in bumble bees correlates with species geographic range and is associated with several environmental and biological factors. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10730. [PMID: 38034342 PMCID: PMC10682878 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, insects have been impacted by climate change, with bumble bees in particular showing range shifts and declining species diversity with global warming. This suggests heat tolerance is a likely factor limiting the distribution and success of these bees. Studies have shown high intraspecific variance in bumble bee thermal tolerance, suggesting biological and environmental factors may be impacting heat resilience. Understanding these factors is important for assessing vulnerability and finding environmental solutions to mitigate effects of climate change. In this study, we assess whether geographic range variation in bumble bees in the eastern United States is associated with heat tolerance and further dissect which other biological and environmental factors explain variation in heat sensitivity in these bees. We examine heat tolerance by caste, sex, and rearing condition (wild/lab) across six eastern US bumble bee species, and assess the role of age, reproductive status, body size, and interactive effects of humidity and temperature on thermal tolerance in Bombus impatiens. We found marked differences in heat tolerance by species that correlate with each species' latitudinal range, habitat, and climatic niche, and we found significant variation in thermal sensitivity by caste and sex. Queens had considerably lower heat tolerance than workers and males, with greater tolerance when queens would first be leaving their natal nest, and lower tolerance after ovary activation. Wild bees tended to have higher heat tolerance than lab reared bees, and body size was associated with heat tolerance only in wild-caught foragers. Humidity showed a strong interaction with heat effects, pointing to the need to regulate relative humidity in thermal assays and consider its role in nature. Altogether, we found most tested biological conditions impact thermal tolerance and highlight the stages of these bees that will be most sensitive to future climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Feuerborn
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Gabriela Quinlan
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Huck Institutes of the Life SciencesPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, State CollegePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Rachael Shippee
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Tori L. Strausser
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of BiologyUtah State UniversityLoganUtahUSA
| | - Tatiana Terranova
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyDuke University Medical CenterDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Christina M. Grozinger
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Huck Institutes of the Life SciencesPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, State CollegePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Heather M. Hines
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Huck Institutes of the Life SciencesPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, State CollegePennsylvaniaUSA
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Christman ME, Spears LR, Koch JBU, Lindsay TTT, Strange JP, Barnes CL, Ramirez RA. Captive Rearing Success and Critical Thermal Maxima of Bombus griseocollis (Hymenoptera: Apidae): A Candidate for Commercialization? JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2022; 22:2. [PMID: 36398850 PMCID: PMC9673274 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieac064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Commercialized bumble bees (Bombus) are primary pollinators of several crops within open field and greenhouse settings. However, the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens Cresson, 1863) is the only species widely available for purchase in North America. As an eastern species, concerns have been expressed over their transportation outside of their native range. Therefore, there is a need to identify regionally appropriate candidates for commercial crop pollination services, especially in the western U.S.A. In this study, we evaluated the commercialization potential of brown-belted bumble bees (Bombus griseocollis De Geer, 1773), a broadly distributed species throughout the U.S.A., by assessing nest initiation and establishment rates of colonies produced from wild-caught gynes, creating a timeline of colony development, and identifying lab-reared workers' critical thermal maxima (CTMax) and lethal temperature (ecological death). From 2019 to 2021, 70.6% of the wild-caught B. griseocollis gynes produced brood in a laboratory setting. Of these successfully initiated nests, 74.8% successfully established a nest (produced a worker), providing guidance for future rearing efforts. Additionally, lab-reared workers produced from wild-caught B. griseocollis gynes had an average CTMax of 43.5°C and an average lethal temperature of 46.4°C, suggesting B. griseocollis can withstand temperatures well above those commonly found in open field and greenhouse settings. Overall, B. griseocollis should continue to be evaluated for commercial purposes throughout the U.S.A.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lori R Spears
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Jonathan B U Koch
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Pollinating Insect – Biology, Management, Systematics Research Unit, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Thuy-Tien T Lindsay
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Pollinating Insect – Biology, Management, Systematics Research Unit, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - James P Strange
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Cody L Barnes
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Ricardo A Ramirez
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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Michalczyk M, Sokół R. Detection of Lotmaria passim and Crithidia mellificae in Selected Bumblebee Species. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11091053. [PMID: 36145485 PMCID: PMC9504464 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11091053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bumblebees (Bombus spp.) are an essential element of the ecosystem and the global economy. They are valued pollinators in many countries around the word. Unfortunately, there has been a decline in the bumblebee population, which is attributed to, among others, pathogens and reduced access to food due to the loss of natural nesting sites. Lotmaria passim and Crithidia mellificae, protozoan pathogens of the family Trypanosomatidae, commonly infect bumblebees, including in Poland. In this study, a Polish population of bumblebees was screened for L. passim and C. mellificae. The experiment was performed on 13 adult bumblebees belonging to 4 species: B. lapidarius, B. lucorum, B. pascuorum, and B. terrestris. Protozoa of the family Trypanosomatidae were identified by PCR. Only L. passim was identified in one B. pascuorum individual. Further research is needed to confirm the effect of concurrent pathogens on the decline of bumblebee populations.
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Aguirre LA, Adler LS. Interacting Antagonisms: Parasite Infection Alters Bombus impatiens (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Responses to Herbivory on Tomato Plants. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:688-692. [PMID: 35244163 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about how simultaneous antagonistic interactions on plants and pollinators affect pollination services, even though herbivory can alter floral traits and parasites can change pollinator learning, perception, or behavior. We investigated how a common herbivore and bumble bee (Bombus spp.) parasite impact pollination in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) (Solanales: Solanaceae). We exposed half the plants to low-intensity herbivory by the specialist Manduca sexta L. (Lepidoptera: Sphigidae), and observed bumble bee visits and time spent on flowers of damaged and control plants. Following observations, we caught the foraging bees and assessed infection by the common gut parasite, Crithidia bombi Lipa & Triggiani (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae). Interestingly, we found an interactive effect between herbivory and Crithidia infection; bees with higher parasite loads spent less time foraging on damaged plants compared to control plants. However, bees did not visit higher proportions of flowers on damaged or control plants, regardless of infection status. Our study demonstrates that multiple antagonists can have synergistic negative effects on the duration of pollinator visits, such that the consequences of herbivory may depend on the infection status of pollinators. If pollinator parasites indeed exacerbate the negative effects of herbivory on pollination services, this suggests the importance of incorporating bee health management practices to maximize crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Aguirre
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Graduate Program in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Lynn S Adler
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Graduate Program in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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Fitch G, Figueroa LL, Koch H, Stevenson PC, Adler LS. Understanding effects of floral products on bee parasites: Mechanisms, synergism, and ecological complexity. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:244-256. [PMID: 35299588 PMCID: PMC8920997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Floral nectar and pollen commonly contain diverse secondary metabolites. While these compounds are classically thought to play a role in plant defense, recent research indicates that they may also reduce disease in pollinators. Given that parasites have been implicated in ongoing bee declines, this discovery has spurred interest in the potential for 'medicinal' floral products to aid in pollinator conservation efforts. We review the evidence for antiparasitic effects of floral products on bee diseases, emphasizing the importance of investigating the mechanism underlying antiparasitic effects, including direct or host-mediated effects. We discuss the high specificity of antiparasitic effects of even very similar compounds, and highlight the need to consider how nonadditive effects of multiple compounds, and the post-ingestion transformation of metabolites, mediate the disease-reducing capacity of floral products. While the bulk of research on antiparasitic effects of floral products on bee parasites has been conducted in the lab, we review evidence for the impact of such effects in the field, and highlight areas for future research at the floral product-bee disease interface. Such research has great potential both to enhance our understanding of the role of parasites in shaping plant-bee interactions, and the role of plants in determining bee-parasite dynamics. This understanding may in turn reveal new avenues for pollinator conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Fitch
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Laura L. Figueroa
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Hauke Koch
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Green, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, UK
| | - Philip C. Stevenson
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Green, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, UK
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Lynn S. Adler
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
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Fowler AE, Giacomini JJ, Connon SJ, Irwin RE, Adler LS. Sunflower pollen reduces a gut pathogen in the model bee species, Bombus impatiens, but has weaker effects in three wild congeners. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20211909. [PMID: 35105241 PMCID: PMC8809364 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Commercial bumblebees have become popular models to understand stressors and solutions for pollinator health, but few studies test whether results translate to other pollinators. Consuming sunflower pollen dramatically reduces infection by the gut parasite Crithidia bombi in commercially reared Bombus impatiens. We assessed the effect of sunflower pollen on infection in wild B. impatiens, Bombus griseocollis, Bombus bimaculatus and Bombus vagans. We also asked how pollen diet (50% sunflower pollen versus wildflower pollen) and infection (yes/no) affected performance in wild B. impatiens microcolonies. Compared to controls, sunflower pollen dramatically reduced Crithidia infection in commercial and wild B. impatiens, had similar but less dramatic effects in B. bimaculatus and B. vagans, and no effect in B. griseocollis. Bombus impatiens, B. bimaculatus and B. vagans are in the same subgenus, suggesting that responses to sunflower pollen may be phylogenetically conserved. In microcolonies, 50% sunflower pollen reduced infection compared to wildflower pollen, but also reduced reproduction. Sunflower pollen could control Crithidia infections in B. impatiens and potentially close relatives, but may hinder reproduction if other resources are scarce. We caution that research using managed bee species, such as B. impatiens, be interpreted carefully as findings may not relate to all bee species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison E. Fowler
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 221 Morrill Science Center South, 611 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jonathan J. Giacomini
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Sara June Connon
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Rebecca E. Irwin
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Lynn S. Adler
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 221 Morrill Science Center South, 611 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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