Neonic pesticides threaten wild bees' spring breeding, study finds

(University of Guelph) A University of Guelph study has revealed that thiamethoxam, one of the most commonly used neonicotinoid, leads to fewer fully developed eggs in queen bumblebees from four wild bumblebee species. This will likely translate into slower egg-laying rates, which will hinder colony development and growth. Researchers also found queen bees from two of the four species ate less nectar after pesticide exposure further hampering reproductive success.

from EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science http://ift.tt/2pFhnsk