Large-scale monitoring of effects of clothianidin-dressed oilseed rape seeds on pollinating insects in Northern Germany: effects on red mason bees (Osmia bicornis)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Elado® (10 g clothianidin & 2 g beta-cyfluthrin/kg seed)-dressed oilseed rape on the development and reproduction of mason bees (Osmia bicornis) as part of a large-scale monitoring field study in Northern Germany, where oilseed rape is usually cultivated at 25–33 % of the arable land. Both reference and test sites comprised 65 km2 in which no other crops attractive to pollinating insects were present. Six study locations were selected per site and three nesting shelters were placed at each location. Of these locations, three locations were directly adjacent to oilseed rape fields, while the other three locations were situated 100 m distant from the nearest oilseed rape field. At each location, 1500 cocoons of O. bicornis were placed into the central nesting shelter. During the exposure phase, nest building activities and foraging behaviour were assessed repeatedly. Cocoons were harvested in autumn to assess parasitization and reproduction including larval development. The following spring, the emergence of the next generation of adults from cocoons was monitored. High reproductive output and low parasitization rates indicated that Elado®-dressed oilseed rape did not cause any detrimental effects on the development or reproduction of mason bees.

Neonicotinoid insecticides negatively affect performance measures of non‐target terrestrial arthropods: a meta‐analysis

“…As the majority of studies evaluated reproductive success within a controlled environmental setting, it is difficult to speculate whether this trend would be similar for a range of arthropods in their natural habitats. Few studies have assessed neonicotinoid effects on pollinators in true field settings (Cutler and Scott-Dupree 2014, Peters et al 2016 or evaluated effects beyond a single representative species (Baron et al 2017). However, a more recent study indicated neonicotinoid exposure from non-target sources reduced overwintering success and colony reproduction in wild bees (Woodcock et al 2017).…”

Trap nests for bees and wasps to analyse trophic interactions in changing environments—A systematic overview and user guide

“…In addition to interaction networks, trap nests are promising tools for long term environmental monitoring (e.g., Steffan‐Dewenter & Schiele, ), pesticide residue (Peters, Gao, & Zumkier, ) or environmental pollution assessments (Moron, Szentgyoergyi, Skorka, Potts, & Woyciechowski, ) and can be used to stock animals for manipulative experiments (e.g., Hudewenz & Klein, ). Nonscientists know various modifications of the methodological approach behind trap nests as “bee hotels” or “insect hotels.” If maintained properly and depletion of local populations due to excessive collecting is avoided, these can have great potential for environmental education (Césard, Mouret, & Vaissiere, ) and citizen science projects (Everaars et al., ).…”

“…Dewenter & Schiele, 2008), pesticide residue (Peters, Gao, & Zumkier, 2016) or environmental pollution assessments (Moron, Szentgyoergyi, Skorka, Potts, & Woyciechowski, 2014) and can be used to stock animals for manipulative experiments (e.g., Hudewenz & Klein, 2015). Nonscientists know various modifications of the methodological approach behind trap nests as "bee hotels" or "insect hotels."…”

Osmia bicornis is rarely an adequate regulatory surrogate species. Comparing its acute sensitivity towards multiple insecticides with regulatory Apis mellifera endpoints

“…However, the majority 26 of toxicity testing in laboratory and field setups has been performed using the honey 27 bee, a bred livestock species, whereas all other bee species are far less well-understood 28 in their sensitivity [10]. 29 Furthermore, the honey bee is the only pollinator species that is tested for its 30 reaction towards pesticides in the current risk assessment scheme after Regulation (EC) 31 1107/2009 [13]. However, wild bee species (i.e.…”

“…Swedish field study where clothianidin/beta-cyfluthrin treatment of oilseed rape had no 250 adverse effects on honey bee colonies, yet substantial impact on O. bicornis' and 251 B. terrestris' population development [29]. Due to their properties they are good [30,31].…”