JOURNAL ARTICLE

Bumblebees prefer sulfoxaflor-contaminated food and show caste-specific differences in sulfoxaflor sensitivity.

  • Published In: Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry, 2025, v. 44, n. 1. P. 232 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Orr, Sarah E; Xu, Jixiang; Juneau, Wanvimol C; Goodisman, Michael A D 3 of 3

Abstract

This article investigates the acute toxicity and feeding preferences of sulfoxaflor (SFX), an emerging sulfoximine-class pesticide, on the common eastern bumblebee, Bombus impatiens. The study found that SFX is approximately 40 times less toxic to B. impatiens workers than the neonicotinoid pesticide thiamethoxam (THX), with queens showing significantly greater tolerance to SFX than workers or drones. Additionally, B. impatiens workers exhibited a preference for sugar syrup contaminated with SFX over uncontaminated syrup, indicating potential risks of pesticide exposure through feeding behavior. These findings highlight caste- and sex-specific differences in pesticide sensitivity and suggest important considerations for pesticide regulation and pollinator protection in agricultural environments.

Additional Information

  • Source:Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry. 2025/01, Vol. 44, Issue 1, p232
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Law
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0730-7268
  • DOI:10.1093/etojnl/vgae007
  • Accession Number:183714188
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Looking to go deeper into this topic? Look for more articles on EBSCOhost.