Effect of abamectin and profenofos insecticide on stingless bee, Tetragonula laeviceps Smith (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)

Abstract

Pollinators such as the bee Tetragonula laeviceps Smith are essential components of ecosystems that provide services to plants. However, the massive use of pesticides in crops can affect the existence of pollinating bees and even cause a decrease in bee populations in the field. This study aimed to determine the effect of abamectin and profenofos insecticides on T. laeviceps. The methods used in the test were bee attractiveness bioassay, toxicity test of dermal application (topical and residual), and oral application with the abamectin and profenofos. The results of the bioassay showed that bees were more attracted to the aroma of the insecticide abamectin 180 ppm than profenofos 1500 ppm. The recommended concentrations of abamectin and profenofos in the field were 180 and 1500 ppm, respectively, so this topical and oral application showed a high level of danger to bees because it can kill >80% of bees. The LD50 values of the insecticides abamectin (0.0064 ppm) and profenofos (0.0345 ppm) were classified as highly toxic based on EPA classification. Therefore, insecticides with active ingredients, particularly abamectin and profenofos, are harmful to T. laeviceps.