Effects of coumaphos on locomotor activities of different honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) subspecies and ecotypes

Abstract The effects of acute sublethal doses coumaphos, an acaricide used against Varroa destructor infestation in beekeeping, on the locomotor activities four native honeybee subspecies Türkiye including two ecotypes (Carniolan - A. m. carnica , Syrian syriaca Caucasian honeybee- caucasica and Muğla Yığılca Anatolian anatoliaca ) were investigated using individual activity monitoring system. Analysis data first 12-h, last 24-h time periods showed that bees from not affected by coumaphos at all three (1, 2, 5 μg 10 μl sucrose syrup for each bee). In contrast, significantly elevated levels 2 within 12 h. Bees both also dose but magnitude increase was lower these compared to seen 12-h period. general, increasing resulted increased (locomotor activity), with differences sensitivity across populations. Possible mechanisms underlying this variance suggestions further studies are discussed.