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Spontaneous honeybee behaviour is altered by persistent organic pollutants
Jade Drummond1,2, Sally M Williamson2, Ann E Fitchett1,2
1Medical Toxicology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AA, UK.
Ecotoxicology (London, England)
|December 10, 2016
Summary
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like PCBs and lindane significantly alter honeybee behavior. Aroclor 1254 caused hyperactivity, while lindane induced spasms, impacting foraging honeybee health and potentially colony survival.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Honeybee behavior research often overlooks persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
- Honeybees face exposure to various environmental contaminants, including POPs.
- Understanding POPs' sublethal effects on honeybees is crucial for colony health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sublethal concentrations of POPs on honeybee spontaneous behavior.
- To compare the behavioral effects of Aroclor 1254 (a PCB mixture) and lindane on foraging honeybees.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory-based oral exposure of honeybees (Apis mellifera) to Aroclor 1254 or lindane for 1-4 days.
- Monitoring of spontaneous behaviors, including motor activity and specific actions like grooming.
- Quantification of time spent in different behavioral states (walking, flying, stationary, upside down).
Main Results:
- Aroclor 1254 exposure led to increased motor activity and hyperactivity, evident from day 1 and persisting with repeated exposure.
- Lindane exposure initially caused abdominal spasms and increased grooming behaviors.
- After 4 days, both Aroclor 1254 and lindane exposure resulted in abdominal spasms and increased grooming.
Conclusions:
- POPs induce distinct behavioral changes in honeybees, reflecting different toxicological profiles.
- PCB-induced hyperactivity in honeybees may have significant energetic demands, potentially affecting colony health.
- Sublethal POP exposure poses a threat to honeybee behavior and overall colony viability.
