Is the Water Supply a Key Factor in Stingless Bees' Intoxication?

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Entomology
• Environmental Toxicology

Background:

• Water is crucial for stingless bees (Melipona scutellaris) for nestling care and food preparation.
• Pesticides in the environment pose a significant risk to bee populations, with water sources acting as potential exposure routes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how water availability affects stingless bees' feeding choices between pesticide-dosed and non-dosed sources.
• To determine the impact of water supply on the mortality rates of Melipona scutellaris exposed to neonicotinoids.

Main Methods:

• Field and cage experiments were conducted using Melipona scutellaris bees.
• Bees were presented with feeders containing neonicotinoid-dosed or non-dosed food, with and without a water supply.
• Mortality rates and feeder choices were recorded.

Main Results:

• At field concentrations, bees could not distinguish between dosed and non-dosed feeders, with no significant mortality observed.
• In high-concentration scenarios, bees preferred non-dosed food when water was available.
• Mortality increased significantly in high-concentration feeders when no water was supplied.

Conclusions:

• Water availability can influence stingless bees' ability to avoid pesticide-contaminated food sources.
• Providing water may be a critical factor in mitigating mortality in stingless bee populations exposed to high pesticide concentrations.