Toxicity and genetic analysis of Scaptotrigona bipunctata Lepeletier, 1836 contaminated with the pyrethroid cypermethrin
2021
Pereira, N. C. | Diniz, T. O. | Ruvolo-Takasusuki, M. C. C.
Stingless bees are important pollinators for the native forest of tropical and subtropical regions, predominantly in Latin America. This group contains more than 300 species, many of them native from Brazil. Their colonies present various types of structures, formats and materials. Scaptotrigona bipunctata (Lepeletier, 1836) is a species of stingless bee that builds large colonies within tree trunks. They are ecologically important as pollinators, maintaining the ecological balance. However, studies indicate that the number of bees has been decreasing drastically over the years due to habitat destruction and intensive use of agrochemicals. High doses of insecticides can lead to the death of bees, but low concentrations may promote behavioral changes that affect the colonies and its services to ecosystem and agricultural crops. Around 40% of all insecticides applied in Brazil are toxic to bees. Cypermethrin insecticide belongs to the pyrethroid group and it is widely used in several crops, such as cotton, potato, coffee, maize and tomato. This study aimed to investigate the mortality rate, alterations in total protein and esterase expression in S. bipunctataafter contamination by ingestion and contact with cypermethrin. At the end of the bioassays, there was found a low mortality rate, however, sublethal effects were expressive. Esterases showed different expression patterns after contamination, both by ingestion and contact and total protein analysis presented changes in expression, as well.
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