Neonics put bumblebees at risk of extinction by hindering colony formation, study reveals
Monday, August 14, 2017 - 11:52
in Biology & Nature
Bumblebees are less able to start colonies when exposed to a common neonicotinoid pesticide, according to a new study. The research has shown that exposure to thiamethoxam reduces the chances of a bumblebee queen starting a new colony by more than a quarter. Using a mathematical model, the researchers found that this rate of decline could threaten extinction of wild bumblebee populations.