Neonicotinoids, a new inadvertent contraceptive for bumblebees and honeybees?

Researchers have found that neonicotinoids can reduce bumblebee queen reproduction by 85%! Now the latest research (see below) has found that neonicotinoids can reduce honeybee drone (male) sperm viability by 39% and reduce drone lifespan. How much longer can our bees and other insects survive this onslaught?

Part of bumblebee ecology and not often seen, bumblebees mating filmed on narrow tarmac footpath bridge over a busy road. The weather was hot and sunny. The narrow footpath is hedged either side by overgrown native bushes/trees forming a dense overhead canopy of vegetation.

Download the research  Neonicotinoid pesticide reduces bumblebee colony growth and queen production

Download the contraceptives honeybee research paper Neonicotinoid insecticides can serve as inadvertent insect contraceptives

See my new Registered Design award winning solitary bee box and bumblebee nest box both of which are radical, practical and educational, offering them a safer nesting environment in which you can observe the bees. Great for schools!

Interested in a pollinator  Citizen science project Buzz Club

For more bumblebee information and to help save bumblebees join the Bumblebee Conservation Trust at Stirling University

For more information about  bees and wasps visit BWARS

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