Back to Search Start Over

Captive Rearing Success and Critical Thermal Maxima of Bombus griseocollis (Hymenoptera: Apidae): A Candidate for Commercialization?

Authors :
Christman, Morgan E
Spears, Lori R
Koch, Jonathan B U
Lindsay, Thuy-Tien T
Strange, James P
Barnes, Cody L
Ramirez, Ricardo A
Source :
Journal of Insect Science; Nov2022, Vol. 22 Issue 6, p1-8, 8p
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Commercialized bumble bees (Bombus) are primary pollinators of several crops within open field and greenhouse settings. However, the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens Cresson, 1863) is the only species widely available for purchase in North America. As an eastern species, concerns have been expressed over their transportation outside of their native range. Therefore, there is a need to identify regionally appropriate candidates for commercial crop pollination services, especially in the western U.S.A. In this study, we evaluated the commercialization potential of brown-belted bumble bees (Bombus griseocollis De Geer, 1773), a broadly distributed species throughout the U.S.A. by assessing nest initiation and establishment rates of colonies produced from wild-caught gynes, creating a timeline of colony development, and identifying lab-reared workers' critical thermal maxima (CT<subscript>Max</subscript>) and lethal temperature (ecological death). From 2019 to 2021, 70.6% of the wild-caught B. griseocollis gynes produced brood in a laboratory setting. Of these successfully initiated nests, 74.8% successfully established a nest (produced a worker), providing guidance for future rearing efforts. Additionally, lab-reared workers produced from wild-caught B. griseocollis gynes had an average CT<subscript>Max</subscript> of 43.5°C and an average lethal temperature of 46.4°C, suggesting B. griseocollis can withstand temperatures well above those commonly found in open field and greenhouse settings. Overall, B. griseocollis should continue to be evaluated for commercial purposes throughout the U.S.A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
15362442
Volume :
22
Issue :
6
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Insect Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
161161450
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieac064