The Importance of Males to Bumble Bee (Bombus Species) Nest Development and Colony Viability

Insects

卷:11

AllisonA. Camp¹  JosephE. Belsky²  DavidM. Lehmann² 

[1] ORISE Researcher, Research Triangle Park Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27711, USA;

[2] Public Health & Environmental Systems Division, Integrated Health Assessment Branch Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), US—Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27711, USA;

关键词: Bombus;    bumble bee;    male;    mating;    immunity;    queen success;   

DOI  :  10.3390/insects11080506

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Bumble bee population declines over the last decade have stimulated strong interest in determining causative factors and necessary conservation measures. Research attention has largely been directed toward bumble bee worker and queen health and their contributions to population stability, while male bees (i.e., drones) have typically been overlooked regarding their role in influencing colony fitness and longevity. In this review we assess existing literature on the diverse role of males within bumble bee nests and their importance to queen health and fitness, as well as to overall nest success. The implications of reproductive measures, including sperm transfer, mating behavior, mating plugs, and male immunity, among other topics, are examined. Overall, bumble bee males are found to drive colony function in a unique manner. Current knowledge gaps pertaining to the role of males are discussed. We highlight the importance of drones to queen success and fitness in many ways, and suggest future research exploring impacts of this often-neglected caste.

【 授权许可】

Unknown