Methoxyfenozide has minimal effects on replacement queens but may negatively affect sperm storage

Abstract Honey bees are incidentally exposed to pesticides such as the insect growth regulator methoxyfenozide (MEOF) during crop pollination, exposures that extend into hive via contaminated stored food. We examined sublethal effects of MEOF-contaminated pollen and queen cell wax on replacement development. MEOF-exposed colonies were largely able produce queens similar physiological reproductive quality unexposed colonies. Newly established did not differ in their body mass, ovariole development, or protein fatty acid contents ovaries fat bodies. MEOF control had glandular mandibular pheromone (QMP) retinue (QRP) compounds. However, less sperm spermathecae than queens. Given productivity is ultimately limited by availability, contamination might shorten functional lifespan