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Handling heatwaves: balancing thermoregulation, foraging and bumblebee colony success
Tiffany Bretzlaff1, Jeremy T Kerr1, Charles-A Darveau1
1Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 6N5.
Conservation Physiology
|February 9, 2024
Summary
Climate change threatens bumblebees. High temperatures (above 30°C) impair bumblebee colony thermoregulation and reduce offspring production, despite increased fanning behavior.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Climate Change Biology
- Insect Behavior
Background:
- Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme heat events.
- Bumblebee populations are declining, potentially due to thermal stress.
- Colonial behaviors like fanning may help bumblebees mitigate heat, but could impact foraging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic heat stress on bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) colony thermoregulation and success.
- To determine if there is a trade-off between thermoregulation and foraging under heat stress.
- To assess the impact of high ambient temperatures on colony maintenance and growth.
Main Methods:
- Exposed Bombus impatiens colonies to constant high ambient temperatures (25°C, 30°C, 35°C) for two weeks.
- Quantified forager activity, fanning incidence, nest temperature (Tn), adult emergence, and offspring production.
- Monitored colony responses to simulate chronic sublethal heat events.
Main Results:
- Increased fanning at 35°C did not maintain optimal nest temperatures.
- Foraging activity and adult emergence were not significantly affected by ambient temperature.
- Colonies exposed to 35°C experienced worker abandonment and reduced offspring production.
Conclusions:
- Heat events exceeding 30°C negatively impact Bombus impatiens colony success.
- Failed thermoregulation and reduced workforce production are key consequences of extreme heat.
- Bumblebee colonies may struggle to balance thermoregulation with essential activities during prolonged heatwaves.
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