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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Evaluating the Effect of Pesticides on the Larvae of the Solitary Bees
Published on: October 15, 2021
Micro-computed tomography of pupal metamorphosis in the solitary bee Megachile rotundata
Bryan R Helm1, Scott Payne2, Joseph P Rinehart3
1Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA.
Abstract:
Insect metamorphosis involves a complex change in form and function. In this study, we examined the development of the solitary bee, Megachile rotundata, using micro-computed tomography (μCT) and volume analysis. We describe volumetric changes of brain, tracheae, flight muscles, gut, and fat bodies in prepupal, pupal, and adult M. rotundata. We observed that individual organ systems have distinct patterns of developmental progression, which vary in their timing and duration. This has important implications for commercial management of this agriculturally relevant pollinator.
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