AbstractA field study was done to search for residues of neonicotinoids in 12 beehives in 4 apiaries in the corn and soybean growing area of southern Ontario, and to determine if any bee loss or symptoms of stress were associated with such residues. Dead bees collected in front of the hive, live forager bees at the hive entrance and inside the hive. The neonicotinoids acetamiprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam and the metabolite TZNG were included in the analysis. The numbers of dead bees found in front of the hives were near seasonal normals. Residues of clothianidin, thiamethoxam and TZNG were found in dead bees and forager bees but not in bees from inside the hive. The concentrations found were below the NOELs for acute toxicity to bees, and were not associated with any evidence of stress or bee loss. The pattern of distribution of residues was parallel to what has been reported for other chemicals including chlorpyrifos. Implications of this pattern for the role of the eusocial behavior of bees in allowing a bee colony to forage on plants bearing natural or xenobiotic toxins will be discussed.

Concentrations and distribution of neonicotinoid residues in honeybees (<i>Apis melifera</i>) in Ontario, Canada

248th National Meeting (2014)

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Concentrations and distribution of neonicotinoid residues in honeybees (Apis melifera) in Ontario, Canada