Pervasiveness of parasites in pollinators

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Entomology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Pollinator populations are declining globally, impacting ecosystems and economies.
• Parasites are implicated in honey bee and bumblebee declines, but their role in other pollinators is poorly understood.
• Interspecific parasite transmission and vectoring among diverse pollinators remain largely uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a preliminary molecular screening of various UK pollinators for parasites.
• To detect the presence of specific parasites, including viruses, fungi, Microsporidia, and Wolbachia.
• To assess the potential for parasite exchange and vectoring within pollinator communities.

Main Methods:

• Molecular screening of honey bees, bumblebees, wasps, hoverflies, and other bees.
• Detection assays for six honey bee viruses, Ascosphaera fungi, Microsporidia, and Wolbachia.
• Focus on detecting parasite presence, including infections and vectoring.

Main Results:

• Ascosphaera fungi were prevalent across many pollinator types.
• Microsporidia were detected less frequently, primarily in bumblebees.
• Wolbachia was common in most pollinators, suggesting a role in host fitness.
• Deformed wing virus was found in honey bees, bumblebees (Bombus pascuorum, Bombus terrestris), and wasps (Vespula vulgaris), but not in other surveyed pollinators.

Conclusions:

• Parasites like Ascosphaera fungi and Wolbachia are widespread among diverse pollinator species.
• Deformed wing virus has a significant but specific impact on certain pollinators, not acting as a general pollinator parasite.
• Further research is required to identify specific parasites, understand their dynamics, and confirm infection versus vectoring in pollinator communities.