Pollinator diversity benefits natural and agricultural ecosystems, environmental health, and human welfare

Environmental contaminants and insects: Genetic strategies for ecosystem and agricultural sustainability

Insects, with their vast biodiversity and essential ecological roles, are crucial to agriculture, textile production, and environmental stability. As pollinators, decomposers, and bioindicators, they support ecosystem functions and human industries. Their short generation time, high reproductive rates, and genetic adaptability make them valuable models for studying human diseases like cancer. However, contaminants pose significant threats to industrially important insects, impacting ecosystems and industries alike. Excessive pesticide use disrupts ecological balance, contributing to the global decline of insect populations. Understanding how contaminants affect insect physiology is critical for assessing their broader implications on agriculture, food security, and biodiversity. This interdisciplinary review integrates entomology, genetics, and environmental science to explore these impacts. Additionally, it examines the potential of genetic interventions to mitigate contaminant-induced harm, ensuring the sustainability of insect-mediated services. To safeguard these vital species, a comprehensive approach that integrates conservation and sustainable utilization strategies is essential.

Mapping agricultural ecosystem services. A systematic review

Agriculture is one of the major drivers of land degradation and climate change. It is known that it can have positive impacts on provisioning ecosystem services (ES) (e.g., food production); however, it has as well detrimental effects on regulation and maintenance (e.g., carbon sequestration) and cultural ES (e.g., landscape aesthetics). Mapping helps us to understand the spatio-temporal impacts on agriculture ES. Nevertheless, no global assessment on mapping agriculture ES was conducted. To fill this gap, this work aims to review the studies systematically focused on mapping agriculture ES, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement protocol. Overall, 52 studies were considered in this analysis. The results showed an increase in research from 2013 to 2024, mainly developed in Europe and Asia, with a special focus on the rural regions of the countries. Most studies did not follow a specific ES classification, focused on ES supply and assessed one ES dimension. Cultivated terrestrial plants for nutrition, materials or energy was the most mapped provisioning ES group. Regulation of baseline flows and extreme events and Intellectual and representative interactions with the natural environment were the most analysed regulation & maintenance and cultural ES groups, respectively. Regarding the methodology, the majority of studies applied mixed approaches. Finally, a large proportion of works did not consider any tradeoffs, drivers of change, and future predictions and did not validate the obtained ES model results. This work is key to understanding the areas where agricultural ES were mapped and supporting policymaking to identify informed decisions.

A novel Fish Protein Hydrolysate supplement enhances honey bee foraging activity and colony strength: A pilot study

Honey bees require diverse nectar and pollen sources for optimal nutrition, especially during late winter and early spring. This study evaluated the effect of a tuna fish protein hydrolysate (FPH)-based dietary supplement on honey bee colonies during winter season. FPH was extracted with Spasmodigestin® tablets, which increased protein content and the availability of 15 amino acids. Colonies were fed 2% FPH extract in sugar syrup (50% W/V) weekly for six weeks, while control colonies received only sugar syrup. The size of brood, honey, and bee bread areas were measured every two weeks, while foraging activity (number of incoming and outgoing foragers) was evaluated weekly. FPH-fed colonies showed improved foraging activity (130 ± 10.65%), larger brood areas (116 ± 11.10%), and higher reserves of honey (152 ± 61.87%) and bee bread (132 ± 61.39%). These findings highlight the potential of tuna FPH-based supplements to strengthen honey bee colonies during periods of limited forage availability.

The diversity, pathogenic spectrum, and ecological significance of arthropod viruses

Research on arthropod viruses initially focused on those associated with diseases in vertebrates, particularly humans, as well as in plants of economic importance. However, the more recent deployment of metatranscriptomic sequencing of diverse arthropod species has facilitated the discovery of a multitude of novel arthropod viruses, in turn revealing that pathogenic viruses represent only a small component of the arthropod virome. In addition, arthropods may play a pivotal role in viral evolution and ecological dynamics, and have the potential to act as reservoirs for pathogens affecting vertebrates or plants. Due to active interactions between arthropod populations and diverse organisms - including fungi, plants, vertebrates, and even other arthropods in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems - there is an increased risk of the spillover of arthropod viruses to other organisms, including mammals. Herein, we review our current understanding of the diversity and ecology of arthropod viruses. We outline what is known about pathogenic arthropod viruses in diverse host types and emphasize the unique niche of arthropods as the source of emerging viral infectious diseases. Finally, we describe the evolutionary interactions between arthropod viruses and their hosts in ecosystems, at the same time highlighting their ecological significance with respect to regulating host populations.

Perspectives on terahertz honey bee sensing

Terahertz (THz) technology provides precise monitoring capabilities in dynamic environments, offering unique insights into insect habitats. Our study focuses on environmental monitoring of European honey bees (Apis mellifera) through a combination of measurements and simulations. Initially, the dielectric material properties of honey bee body parts are characterized across the spectral range of 1-500 GHz to collect heterogeneous empirical data. To extend the study, honey bee mockups made from polyamide 12 (PA12) and epoxy resin are employed and validated as effective substitutes for real bees through comparative scattering analyses. The research further explores radar cross-section (RCS), imaging, and spectral properties using advanced THz technologies, including resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) operating at 250 GHz and THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) for frequencies exceeding 250 GHz. High-resolution imaging, utilizing a 450 GHz bandwidth, captures intricate anatomical features of both real and 3D-printed bees, showcasing the potential of THz technology for detailed environmental monitoring. Finally, simulations at 300 GHz assess the dosimetry and feasibility of non-invasive, continuous monitoring approaches based on the heterogeneous honey bee model.

Environmental Contamination and Mining Impact: Physico-Chemical and Biological Characterization of Propolis as an Indicator of Pollution in the Roșia Montană Area, Romania

Contamination with heavy metal ions from mining activities presents a major environmental issue. This study investigates pollution caused by heavy metals from mining, with a particular emphasis on toxic ions and essential ions for living organisms. It starts by analyzing the sources of pollution and its effects on soil, vegetation, water, and wildlife (propolis produced by honey bees living in natural environments). Propolis is an indicator of environmental contamination by metals, a natural and valuable product of natural ecosystems. As part of the investigation, the contamination with metal cations (Pb2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, As3+, Fe2+, and Sr2+) of the soil, cultivated vegetables (carrot, turnip, onion, potato) was monitored in 9 points in the Roșia Montană area, Romania, as well as the river that runs through the area. The maximum values of the parameters investigated were recorded in soil (108.32 mg/kg Pb2+, 23.06 mg/kg Cd2+, 102.17 mg/kg As3+), river water (11.00 µg/L Pb2+, 903.47 µg/L Cu2+, 60.13 µg/L Cd2+, 1903.08 µg/L Zn2+, 148.07 µg/L As3+, 44,024.08 µg/L Fe2+), vegetables (0.72 mg/kg Pb2+, 0.17 mg/kg Cd2+) and it was followed whether the same heavy metals are found in propolis (maximum values 10.14 mg/kg Pb2+, 6.32 mg/kg Cu2+, 0.158 mg/kg Cd2+, 6.0 Zn2+, 1.04 mg/kg As3+, 12.06 mg/kg Sr2+). The parameters analyzed for the river waters were pH, sulfates, the oxygen and nutrient regime, and microbial load. Additional investigations were carried out into the quality of these propolis samples: water activity, moisture, hygroscopicity, water solubility, volatile oils, oxidation index, measuring point, density, dry matter, material insoluble in ethanol, extractable with ethanol, ash, and wax. The highest values were 189.4 mg GAE/g for phenols, 84.31 mg QE/g for flavonoids, and 0.086 µg/mL for IC50 antioxidant activity. This study indicates that bee products, such as propolis, can be an indicator of pollution in mining areas.

Single and Synergistic Effects of Microplastics and Difenoconazole on Oxidative Stress, Transcriptome, and Microbiome Traits in Honey Bees

Microplastics (MPs) and pesticides are identified as two environmental pollutants. In the present study, we showed evidence of toxic effects on honey bees from chronic oral exposure to food containing difenoconazole alone (Dif) and in a binary mixture with polystyrene (PS)-MPs (Dif + PS). We observed a disrupted gut microbial community structure in bees after difenoconazole exposure, and the gut microbiota structure richness increased at the phylum and genus levels in Dif + PS group. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that difenoconazole exposure caused 98 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), while 41 DEGs were identified in Dif + PS group. PS-MPs seemed to mitigate oxidative damage and changes in the transcriptome profile in honey bees caused by difenoconazole to some extent. However, coexposure increased the disordered microbial community composition. Our study highlights the importance of investigating possible additive and synergic activities between stressors to comprehensively understand the effects of pollutants on pollinating insects.

Binary Mixture of Neonicotinoid-Pyrethroid Insecticide: Impact on Survival, Cognitive Learning, and Memory in Apis mellifera jemenitica

The impact of agrochemicals on pollinators, especially honey bees, has drawn significant attention due to its critical implications for worldwide food stability and ecosystems. Given the potential threat of insecticides to honey bees, bees may encounter multiple insecticides simultaneously during foraging. This study investigated the toxic effect of an insecticide mixture (IM) containing acetamiprid (neonicotinoid) and deltamethrin (pyrethroid) on the survival and cognitive appetitive performance of Apis mellifera jemenitica, a vital native pollinator in arid regions of Saudi Arabia. The lethal concentration (LC50) was determined by assessing bees' mortality rates following exposure to IM through topical and oral routes. Significant bee mortality occurred at 4-48 h post treatment with IM through both exposure routes, showing a trend of increased mortality with higher IM concentrations compared to the control bees. Throughout all tested times, topical exposure proved relatively more effective, resulting in significantly greater bee mortality compared to oral exposure to IM. Food intake declined progressively with rising IM concentrations during oral exposure. The LC50 values of IM at 24 h after treatment were 12.24 ppm for topical and 10.45 ppm for oral exposure. The corresponding LC10, LC20, and LC30 values were 3.75 ppm, 5.63 ppm, and 7.54 ppm for topical exposure and 2.45 ppm, 4.04 ppm, and 5.78 ppm for oral exposure, respectively. The combination index (CI) revealed a synergistic effect (0.43) for topical exposure and antagonistic effects (1.43) for oral exposure, highlighting differential toxicity dynamics. IM exposure significantly impaired cognitive acquisition and memory reinforcement in honey bees, as demonstrated through behavioral assays, indicating potential neurotoxic effects. Learning and memory formation significantly declined at 2, 12, and 24 h after exposure to sublethal concentrations of IM through both topical and oral routes. Thus, evaluating the interactive impact of multiple pesticides on bees' health and cognitive function is essential, particularly in regions where diverse agrochemicals are routinely utilized.

Pyriproxyfen exposure compromises cocoon spinning and damages the Malpighian tubules of the nontarget predator Ceraeochrysa claveri (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

Pyriproxyfen has been extensively employed in the Neotropical region for agricultural pest management and insect vectors. However, measuring the sublethal and indirect effects of this active ingredient on nontarget organisms, such as lacewings, is important. Using morphological tools on target organs, we can evaluate these effects and use them as biomarkers for future ecotoxicological studies. Here, we investigated the effects of pyriproxyfen exposure on cocoon spinning and Malpighian tubules in Ceraeochrysa claveri adults. For this purpose, first-instar C. claveri larvae were orally exposed to Diatraea saccharalis egg clusters treated with pyriproxyfen in a solution of 50 or 100 mg a.i. L-1 throughout the larval stage. Insecticide exposure decreases predator survival, mainly in the prepupal and pupal stages, along with changes in the internal and external surfaces and thickness of the cocoon wall. Histopathological and ultrastructural injuries, including cytoplasmic vacuolization, loss of microvilli and a reduction in neutral glycoconjugates, were observed in Malphigian tubule cells of adults (≤24 h old). These changes indicate toxicological effects on Malpighian tubules that in lacewing involve cocoon spinning during metamorphosis and, in the adult stage, act in physiological processes of excretion and osmoregulation. Furthermore, it can affect the efficiency of the cocoon in protecting the specimen during metamorphosis against natural enemies and environmental factors. This organ has demonstrated its applicability as a biomarker for assessing the multisystemic effects of insecticides, thereby assisting in future risk assessments aimed at conserving nontargeted specimens.

More than just sweet: current insights into microplastics in honey products and a case study of Melipona quadrifasciata honey

Honey, traditionally known as a pure and natural substance, has become an unexpected reservoir for microplastic contamination. This study consisted of an experimental investigation to assess the occurrence of microplastics in honey produced by Melipona quadrifasciata, a native bee species in Brazil. Our investigation covers eight areas (one sample per area), including built and vegetated areas located in São Paulo city, Brazil, to understand the distribution of microplastics in these environments. Honey samples (10 mL) were collected using a syringe and sent to the laboratory for further analysis. Microplastics extracted from honey samples were characterized under a stereomicroscope to determine their size, color, and morphology. Also, the polymer type was determined by FTIR analysis. All honey samples (100%) showed microplastics. The predominant particles displayed a fiber shape with a size below 299 μm and a transparent color and were primarily composed of polypropylene. Their concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 2.6 particles per mL of honey, raising concerns about their potential impact on bee populations and human consumers. This study underscores the need for further research on the sources and implications of microplastic contamination in Melipona quadrifasciata honey, shedding light on the broader issue of environmental plastic pollution and its impact on pollinators.

Potential Regional Pollination Services of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Migrants as Evidenced by the Identification of Attached Pollen

Many species of noctuid moths exhibit long-distance migratory behavior and have an important pollination service function in terrestrial ecosystems. Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) is a globally distributed insect; however, its role in pollination remains underexplored. In this study, the feeding preferences and inter regional pollination of S. litura adults were explored. We conducted pollen analysis on 1253 S. litura migrants captured from 2018 to 2021 on Beihuangcheng Island in the Bohai Strait of China, which is located in the East Asian insect migration path. The results show that an average of 51.1% of S. litura migrants carry plant pollen each year, and the carrying rate shows fluctuations based on sex, year, and season. By combining morphological identification and DNA barcoding, pollen species were identified from 40 species of plants, representing 21 families and 26 genera, mainly from angiosperms of Dicotyledoneae, with Asteraceae, Apocynaceae, and Amaranthaceae being the dominant taxa. The geographical distribution range of Chrysanthemum zawadskii and Adenophora trachelioides and a migration trajectory simulation analysis indicate that S. litura predominantly migrate from Liaoning Province in Northeast China to North China over the Bohai Sea in autumn. These findings indicate the potential pollination activities of S. litura in North China and Northeast China, enriching our understanding of the interaction between S. litura and the plants it pollinates.

Nutritional position of managed honey bees during pollination of native plants by the melissopalynology method

Pollination services are crucial for maintaining ecological stability and ensuring food security for humans. Managed honey bees, which are economically valuable and are experiencing population growth due to the increasing demand for their products, play a significant role in pollination. To produce high-quality honey, beekeepers often choose natural high meadows, characterized by high plant species richness, for their apiaries. This practice, in turn, may contribute to the pollination of native plants, as managed honey bees are likely to forage on diverse floral resources within these meadows In this study, we investigated the nutritional position of managed bees in the pollination of native plants in Iran using the melissopalynology method to determine the extent of their contribution to the pollination of native plants. Ninety-four honey samples were collected from beekeepers located in the natural pastures of two biodiversity hotspots in Iran (Zagros and Alborz). Then, plant pollens were extracted from the honey and photographed by scanning electron microscopy. In the next step, plant species were identified, and their abundance was calculated. The results showed that managed bees visited 54 plant genera, seven of which were non-native plants. Additionally, more plant species and the highest abundance of pollen were observed at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 3000 m. Therefore, beekeepers set up their hives in this altitude range to obtain high-quality honey. In general, in this study, the results of melissopalynological analysis, involving the identification of plant genera and pollen counts, revealed that managed honey bees likely contributed less than 3% to the pollination of native plant species in Iran.

A pollinator crisis can decrease plant abundance despite pollinators being herbivores at the larval stage

Pollinating insects are decreasing worldwide due to various environmental stresses (so-called pollinator crisis), raising concerns that plant productivity could be undermined in natural and agricultural ecosystems. To date, however, few studies have reported a concurrent decline in both pollinators and plants, and little is known about when a "plant crisis" occurs. Here, we propose that anthropogenic environmental stresses on pollinating insects (e.g. climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide usage) can negatively affect herbivorous insects (e.g., pollinator larvae and crop pests) as well, and effects of pollinator declines may be masked by positive effects of herbivore declines. To test the idea, we theoretically investigated plant population dynamics mediated by two insect groups: one representing a pollinator that is mutualistic at the adult stage but antagonistic at the larval stage, and the other representing a non-structured pest herbivore. Our model revealed that environmental stresses (increasing insect mortality) can have counterintuitive effects on plants. Nonetheless, plant abundance generally decreases with decreasing pollinator abundance, especially when plant populations grow slowly without pollinators, when pollinators are effective mutualists, or when pollinators are susceptible to environmental stresses. These findings offer a theoretical basis for assessing the pollinator crisis for biodiversity conservation and agricultural management.

Gut microbiome diversity and biogeography for Chinese bumblebee Bombus pyrosoma

Gut microbiota of the bumblebee is critical as it modulates the health and fitness of the host. However, the mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of the diversity of bumblebee gut bacteria over a long period of evolution have yet to be elucidated. In particular, the gut bacterial diversity and community assembly processes of Bombus pyrosoma across the Chinese border remain unclear. In this study, we systematically carried out unprecedented sampling of 513 workers of the species Bombus pyrosoma across the Chinese landscape and used full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to examine their gut microbiota diversity and biogeography. The gut microbiota composition and community structure of Bombus pyrosoma from different geographical locations were diverse. On the whole, the gut bacteria Gilliamella and Snodgrassella are dominant in bumblebees, but opportunistic pathogens Serratia and Pseudomonas are dominant in some sampling sites such as Hb15, Gs1, Gs45, Qhs15, and Ssx35. All or part of environmental factors such as latitude, annual mean temperature, elevation, human footprint, population density, and annual precipitation can affect the alpha diversity and community structure of gut bacteria. Further analysis showed that the assembly and shift of bumblebee gut bacterial communities under geographical variation were mainly driven by the stochastic drift of the neutral process rather than by variable selection of niche differentiation. In conclusion, our unprecedented sampling uncovers bumblebee gut microbiome diversity and shifts over evolutionary time.

IMPORTANCE

The microbiotas associated with organisms facilitates host health and fitness, and the homeostasis status of gut microbiota also reflects the habitat security faced by the host. In addition, managing gut microbiota is important to improve bumblebee health by understanding the ecological process of the gut microbiome. Thus, we first carried out an runprecedented sampling of 513 workers of the species Bombus pyrosoma across the Chinese landscape and used full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to uncover their gut microbiota diversity and biogeography. Our study provides new insights into the understanding of gut microbiome diversity and shifts for Chinese Bumblebee over evolutionary time.

Addressing emerging issues in entomology: 2023 student debates

The Entomological Society of America (ESA) Student Debates is an annual student competition at the ESA Annual Meeting organized by Student Debates Subcommittee (SDS) members of the ESA Student Affairs Committee. In conjunction with the 2023 ESA Annual Meeting theme, 'Insects and influence: Advancing entomology's impact on people and policy', the theme of this year's student debate was 'Addressing emerging issues in entomology'. With the aid of ESA membership, the SDS selected the following debate topics: (1) Should disclosure of artificial intelligence large language models in scientific writing always be required? and (2) Is it more important to prioritize honey bee or native pollinator health for long-term food security within North America? Four student teams from across the nation, composed of 3-5 student members and a professional advisor, were assigned a topic and stance. Over the course of 5 months, all team members researched and prepared for their assigned topic before debating live with an opposing team at the 2023 ESA Annual Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland. SDS members additionally prepared and presented introductions for each debate topic to provide unbiased backgrounds to the judges and audience for context in assessing teams' arguments. The result was an engaging discussion between our teams, judges, and audience members on emerging issues facing entomology and its impact on people and policy, such as scientific communication and food security, that brought attention to the complexities involved when debating topics concerning insects and influence.

The effects of meliponicultural use of Tetragonula laeviceps on other bee pollinators and pollination efficacy of lemon

The augmentation of pollination success in lemon (Citrus limon Eureka) flowers remains contingent on the involvement of bee pollinators. With wild bee pollinator populations declining in agroecosystems, meliponiculture has emerged as a potential option in Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate the effects of meliponicultural use of Tetragonula laeviceps on diversity, foraging behavior, and monthly population of bee pollinators, as well as lemon pollination efficacy with and without meliponiculture treatment during two periods. Using scan and focal sampling methods in first and second periods, the study found that the diversity of wild bee pollinators was six species (Apis cerana, Lasioglossum albescens, Megachile laticeps, Xylocopa confusa, Xylocopa latipes, and Xylocopa caerulea), and T. laeviceps when using meliponiculture. The relative abundance and daily foraging activity of wild bee pollinators were initially reduced in the first period (March-June) and then maintained in the second period (July-October). T. laeviceps foraged on the flowers, involving specific sequences for 72 s with highest visitation rate of 0.25 flowers/h from 10:00-13:00. Light intensity was observed to be the most influential factor for bee pollinator density. Pollination efficacy results showed that meliponiculture usage has greater benefit compared to meliponiculture absence across various parameters, including fruit sets, fruit weight, yield, and estimated productivity. The effects of meliponicultural use of T. laeviceps can enhance lemon pollination efficacy while preserving the diversity of wild insect pollinators. This suggests that meliponiculture stingless bees could be a beneficial practice in agroecosystems, especially in tropical regions where wild bee populations and diversity are declining.

Research needs on the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship in drylands

Research carried out in drylands over the last decade has provided major insights on the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship (BEFr) and about how biodiversity interacts with other important factors, such as climate and soil properties, to determine ecosystem functioning and services. Despite this, there are important gaps in our understanding of the BEFr in drylands that should be addressed by future research. In this perspective we highlight some of these gaps, which include: 1) the need to study the BEFr in bare soils devoid of perennial vascular vegetation and biocrusts, a major feature of dryland ecosystems, 2) evaluating how intra-specific trait variability, a key but understudied facet of functional diversity, modulate the BEFr, 3) addressing the influence of biotic interactions on the BEFr, including plant-animal interactions and those between microorganisms associated to biocrusts, 4) studying how differences in species-area relationships and beta diversity are associated with ecosystem functioning, and 5) considering the role of temporal variability and human activities, both present and past, particularly those linked to land use (e.g., grazing) and urbanization. Tackling these gaps will not only advance our comprehension of the BEFr but will also bolster the effectiveness of management and ecological restoration strategies, crucial for safeguarding dryland ecosystems and the livelihoods of their inhabitants.

Gastrointestinal parasites in captive wild birds in Mineiros, Goiás, Brazil

Studying parasites in captive wild birds is vital for their health, well-being, biodiversity preservation, species conservation, and safeguarding of both individual birds and ecosystems. It holds significance for public health by identifying potential zoonotic risks. We aimed to describe the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive wild birds from a Conservation Institute in Brazilian Cerrado biome. Fresh fecal samples were collected from 17 captive wild birds (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, Ara ararauna, Ara chloropterus, Ara macao, Megascops choliba, Pteroglossus castanotis, Ramphastos dicolorus, Ramphastos tucanus and Strix huhula) at a Conservation Institution in Mineiros, state of Goiás. The samples were processed for Willis' simple flotation and Hoffman's spontaneous sedimentation examinations to identify parasitic forms of gastrointestinal endoparasites. Macaw aviary birds (Ar. ararauna, Ar. chloropterus and Ar. macao) showed higher positivity, with all six fecal samples positive for helminths or protozoa. In contrast, captive toucans showed only two positive results (P. castanotis and R. dicolorus). An. hyacinthinus showed Ascarididae, Capillarinae and Trematoda eggs; whereas S. huhula had Ascarididae eggs. Regular parasitological examinations are essential for the timely detection and treatment of gastrointestinal infections in captive birds, thereby enhancing overall bird management.

Nontarget catches of traps with chemical lures may refer to the flower-visitation, probable pollination, and feeding of bush crickets (Ensifera: Tettigoniidae)

The diurnal bees, lepidopterans, and other pollinators are among the most studied flower-visiting insect taxa. They mostly play distinct functions in temperate grasslands and ecotones of grassland-forest mosaics (such as in forest steppes). Although orthopterans are widely distributed in these habitats, however, their flower visitation is nearly unknown, especially in the temperate zone. During the development of traps with chemical lures to catch Lepidoptera pests, large numbers of Orthoptera were caught that provide a chance for studying the flower visitation and odor and indirectly the host plant preference of seven temperate zone Tettigoniidae species. Data on the attractivity of isoamyl alcohol-based semisynthetic lures for Meconema thalassinum and efficiency of phenylacetaldehyde-based lures on Leptophyes albovittata and Phaneroptera falcata were reported for the first time. Additionally, analysis of nature photos collected from internet sources, as part of a passive citizen science also supports the revealed preference of these species. Based on photos, the studied orthopterans mainly visit Asteraceae species including the most preferred Tanacetum vulgare, Pulicaria dysenterica, Achillea millefolium, Solidago canadensis, and Centaurea scabiosa. Based on catches of volatile traps, the first data were recorded on the attractivity of phenylacetaldehyde- and isoamyl alcohol-based lures on three temperate zone Orthoptera species. Results of a passive citizen science study strengthen these results that may increase the knowledge on the host plant and habitat preference of Orthoptera species.

Community dynamics of bumblebee across elevation gradients and habitat mosaics in Chitwan Annapurna Landscape, Nepal

The species composition of bumblebees (Bombus species) across the elevation gradients in Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape (CHAL) was studied from April to November 2019. We performed opportunistic surveys to collect the bumblebee specimens. The walking transects were followed in the accessible places along the Kaligandaki, Marshyandi, and Budhigandaki river basins in different habitats (e.g., agricultural, forest, grassland and home garden). We identified 16 Bombus species from the sampling areas. The highest relative abundance was of B. haemorrhoidalis (20%), followed by B. festivus (20%) and B. eximius (19%). The least abundant species were B. branickii, B. miniatus, B. novus, and B. pressus with 1% relative abundance of each. We examined the effects of elevation on bumblebee richness and found a significant relationship. The Highest species richness was detected in the mid-elevation. Likewise, the highest species richness and diversity were found in the forest habitat in Gorkha site (n = 12, Shannon index H' = 2.18) followed by the grassland habitat of the Mustang site (n = 11, Shannon index H' = 2.10). Whereas, comparatively, species diversity was higher in habitats of the Gorkha site comparing Manang and Mustang. The elevation gradients create immense variations in microclimatic conditions and vegetation dynamics, which influence bumblebee abundance, species richness and diversities in different habitats in the study area. The mid-elevation range (2000-3000 m asl) of CHAL exhibited the highest species richness probably due to the higher availability of pollinator-dependent flowering plants in this range. The landcover composition and anthropogenic activities along the elevation gradient is the governing factor for the species composition, distribution and diversity of bumblebees in CHAL. We recommend to decision-makers for formulating their conservation strategies under a socio-ecological framework.

Imidacloprid Pesticide Causes Unexpectedly Severe Bioelement Deficiencies and Imbalance in Honey Bees Even at Sublethal Doses

Pesticides impair honeybee health in many ways. Imidacloprid (IMD) is a pesticide used worldwide. No information exists on how IMD impact the bees' body bioelement balance, which is essential for bee health. We hypothesized that IMD disturbs this balance and fed the bees (in field conditions) with diets containing 0 ppb (control), 5 ppb (sublethal considered field-relevant), and 200 ppb (adverse) doses of IMD. IMD severely reduced the levels of K, Na, Ca, and Mg (electrolytic) and of Fe, Mo, Mn, Co, Cu, Ni, Se, and Zn, while those of Sn, V, and Cr (enzymatic) were increased. Levels of P, S, Ti, Al, Li, and Sr were also decreased, while only the B content (physiologically essential) was increased. The increase in Tl, Pb, and As levels (toxic) was alarming. Generally, IMD, even in sublethal doses, unexpectedly led to severe bioelement malnutrition in 69% of bioelements and to a stoichiometric mismatch in the remaining ones. This points to the IMD-dependent bioelement disturbance as another, yet unaccounted for, essential metabolic element which can interfere with apian health. Consequently, there is a need for developing methods of bioelement supplementation of the honey bee diet for better preventing bee colony decline and protecting apian health status when faced with pesticides.

Open Citizen Science: fostering open knowledge with participation

Citizen Science or community science has been around for a long time. The scope of community involvement in Citizen Science initiatives ranges from short-term data collection to intensive engagement to delve into a research topic together with scientists and/or other volunteers. Although many volunteer researchers have academic training, it is not a prerequisite for participation in research projects. It is important to adhere to scientific standards, which include, above all, transparency with regard to the methodology of data collection and public discussion of the results, and open educational resources (OER). Hereby, Citizen Science is closely linked to Open Science. In our contribution, we will introduce two projects, both developed within the Wikimedia Fellowship Freies Wissen.

The top-down approach: ERGo! An Entomology Research Tool to raise awareness of biodiversity protection.

Inclusion in academia and pressing social problems such as climate change are fundamentally social justice issues. To facilitate early participation in the scientific process on the part of people holding underrepresented identities in science, we develop a Citizen Science initiative based on a low-cost open-source platform (ERGo!) to perform a technique for electrical recordings from insect eyes known as electroretinograms (ERGs) while presenting visual stimuli. Pasadena Unified School District High School students pilot ERG experiments to test the feasibility of this technique as a large-scale Citizen Science initiative. With ERGo!, future Citizen Scientists contribute data to cutting-edge research that monitors insect biodiversity, adaptation, and health in rapidly changing environments caused by monocultures, pesticides, and climate change.

The bottom-up approach: Open cultural data collection. A Citizen Science initiative for regional knowledge curation.

We catalogued the 18th century German magazine ‘Die Gartenlaube’ (in Wikisource) with bibliographic metadata in Wikidata in a project called ‘Die Datenlaube’. We develop collaborative approaches for linked open data methods to produce data sets about historical knowledge. The concept of ‘Open Citizen Science’ offers a methodological baseline for Open Science practises in fields of digital humanities. Scanned documents and structured open metadata revealed open access to historic collections. Through the Wikimedia platforms 'Die Datenlaube' creates possibilities to edit entries, to design own investigations, and to contribute to OER.

Based on the elaboration of the two rather different projects (natural and social sciences, involvement of pupils vs citizens, top-down vs bottom-up), we will discuss similarities and hence the challenges and lessons learned for using and developing Open Science elements in Citizen Science and mutual learning. Furthermore, we will conclude by focusing on the opportunities resulting from the integration of societal expectations in science and vice versa.

Harmful Effects of Pyraclostrobin on the Fat Body and Pericardial Cells of Foragers of Africanized Honey Bee

Managed honey bees are daily exposed in agricultural settings or wild environments to multiple stressors. Currently, fungicide residues are increasingly present in bees' pollen and nectar and can harm colonies' production and survival. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the effects of the fungicide pyraclostrobin on the fat body and pericardial cells of Africanized honey bees. The foragers were divided into three experimental treatment groups and two controls: pyraclostrobin 0.125 ng/µL (FG1), 0.025 ng/µL (FG2), 0.005 ng/µL (FG3), untreated control (CTL), and acetone control (CAC). After five days of oral exposure (ad libitum), the bees were dissected and prepared for histopathological and morphometric analysis. The FG1-treated bees showed extensive cytoarchitecture changes in the fat body and pericardial cells, inducing cell death. Bees from the FG2 group showed disarranged oenocytes, peripheral vacuolization, and pyknotic nuclei of pericardial cells, but the cytoarchitecture was not compromised as observed in FG1. Additionally, immune system cells were observed through the fat body in the FG1 group. Bees exposed to FG3 demonstrated only oenocytes vacuolization. A significant decrease in the oenocyte's surface area for bees exposed to all pyraclostrobin concentrations was observed compared to the CTL and CAC groups. The bees from the FG1 and FG2 treatment groups presented a reduced surface area of pericardial cells compared to the controls and the FG3 group. This study highlighted the harmful effects of fungicide pyraclostrobin concentrations at the individual bee cellular level, potentially harming the colony level on continuous exposure.