Protocol for Initiating and Monitoring Bumble Bee Microcolonies with Bombus impatiens (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract

Populations of some bumble bee species are in decline, prompting the need to better understand bumble bee biology and for assessing the effects of environmental stressors on these important pollinators. Microcolonies have been successfully used for investigating a range of endpoints, including behavior, gut microbiome, nutrition, development, pathogens, and the effects of pesticide exposure on bumble bee health. Here, we present a step-by-step protocol for initiating, maintaining, and monitoring microcolonies with Bombus impatiens. This protocol has been successfully used in two pesticide exposure-effects studies and can be easily expanded to investigate other aspects of bumble bee biology.Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.