Insecticide Residue Containing a Mixture of Active Ingredients Induces Lethal and Sublethal Effects in Honey Bees

Ismar Dantas da Silva; Daiane Mirian Tomaz da Silva Lima; Anderson Bruno Anacleto de Andrade; Ewerton Marinho da Costa; Tiago Augusto Lima Cardoso; Elton Lucio Araujo; Emanoely Karoliny Santos da  Silva; Allyson Jonhnny Torres Mendonça

doi:10.13102/sociobiology.v73i3.12737

Authors

Ismar Dantas da Silva Federal University of Campina Grande, Pombal - PB, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9307-0949
Daiane Mirian Tomaz da Silva Lima Program in Tropical Horticulture, Federal University of Campina Grande, Pombal - PB, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8211-451X
Anderson Bruno Anacleto de Andrade Program in Tropical Horticulture, Federal University of Campina Grande, Pombal - PB, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6956-8660
Ewerton Marinho da Costa Federal University of Campina Grande, Pombal - PB, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4993-7817
Tiago Augusto Lima Cardoso Federal University of Campina Grande, Pombal - PB, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5067-0545
Elton Lucio Araujo Federal Rural University of the Semiarid, Mossoró - RN, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8274-502X
Emanoely Karoliny Santos da Silva Federal University of Campina Grande, Pombal - PB, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1361-6341
Allyson Jonhnny Torres Mendonça Federal University of Campina Grande, Pombal - PB, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0446-6970

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v73i3.12737

Keywords:

Environmental toxicity, Pollination, Pollinator conservation

Abstract

Understanding the effects of insecticides on bees is essential for proper management and to support pollinator conservation. To evaluate the lethal and sublethal effects of an insecticide formulated as a mixture, Acetamiprid + Pyriproxyfen, on Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae), through residual contact on melon leaves as a function of different exposure times. Bees were exposed to two commercial doses of Acetamiprid + Pyriproxyfen, a minimum of 200 ml/ha (0.08 g a.i./L of Acetamiprid + 0.04 g a.i./L of Pyriproxyfen) and a maximum of 300 ml/ha (0.12 g a.i./L of Acetamiprid + 0.06 g a.i./L of Pyriproxyfen). Distilled water was used as an absolute control, and the insecticide Thiamethoxam (0.3 g a.i./L) was used as a positive control. After exposure, mortality and motor disturbances were evaluated over 48 hours. The flight capacity of the surviving bees was assessed. Residual contact with Acetamiprid + Pyriproxyfen caused bee mortality rates higher than those observed in the absolute control and lower than in the positive control. However, no significant differences were found between bees exposed to the minimum dose at 1 hour post-exposure (38.9%) and those exposed to the maximum dose at 1, 2, and 3 hours post-exposure (49.2%, 45.8%, and 32.5%, respectively). Regardless of dose and exposure time, residual contact resulted in a median lethal time (LT₅₀) of 85.4 hours. Bees exposed to the insecticide exhibited reduced flight capacity, reaching only the lowest levels of the flight tower. Exposure to Acetamiprid + Pyriproxyfen resulted in a significant mortality rate and a reduction in the flight capacity of honey bees.

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