Impact of Chronic Exposure to Two Neonicotinoids on Honey Bee Antennal Responses to Flower Volatiles and Pheromonal Compounds

Volatile compounds provide important olfactory cues for honey bees ( Apis mellifera L.), which are essential their ecology, behavior, and social communication. In the external environment locate food sources by use of floral scents, while inside hive, pheromones such as queen mandibular pheromone (QMP) alarm serve functions in regulating colony life inducing aggressive responses against intruders parasites. Widely reported alterations various behaviors in- outside hive following exposure to pesticides could therefore be associated with a disturbance odor sensitivity. present study, we tested effects neonicotinoid at field concentrations on ability perceive volatiles very periphery system. Bee colonies were subjected treatments during summer either Imidacloprid or Thiacloprid sublethal concentrations. Antennal apple Malus domestica L.) flower studied GC-coupled electro-antennographic detection (GC-EAD), range volatiles, substitute QMP, 2-heptanone electroantennography (EAG). Short-term long-term investigated collected autumn again spring. Treatment induced changes antennal specific VOCs, differing short- effects. short term, increased observed benzyl-alcohol 1-hexanol, common but also constituents bee sting gland secretions. The treatment affected QMP 2-heptanone. faster signal degeneration response positive control citral was recorded antennae exposed Imidacloprid. Finally, season-related differences multiple VOCs. Altogether, our results suggest that volatile-specific may contribute explaining several behavioral previously neonicotinoid-exposed bees. generally more prominent suggesting adverse not persist across generations.