Sublethal neonicotinoid exposure attenuates the effects of electromagnetic fields on honey bee flight and learning

Many environmental stressors are currently implicated in the decline of flying insects general, and important pollinator species such as honey bee. Recent studies have shown that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMFs) affect many aspects insect behaviour cognition which raises potential ELF EMFs could interact with other neonicotinoid insecticides to even greater impact on insects. Here we analysed effects individual combined exposure bee 50 Hz sublethal clothianidin, a tethered flight assay an olfactory appetitive learning assay. Clothianidin was significantly toxic bees field-realistic levels (2.00 ng/bee) led 25% mortality. Exposure alone significant increase wingbeat at above 100 µT. Prior clothianidin attenuated frequency. reduced proboscis extension reflex (PER). doses PER. These results indicate no evidence synergy between but suggest for same susceptible fraction population been affected by clothianidin. Results lay foundation further explore interactions consider key factors may make EMFs.