Overview of Recent Publications on Neonicotinoids and Pollinators

Several recently-published studies have reported on evaluations of the impact of neonicotinoid insecticides on pollinators,, often accompanied by considerable media attention claiming singular importance in explaining overall pollinator health status. These studies included evaluations of potential effects of sublethal doses of neonicotinoids on honey bees, the potential effects of exposure to neonicotinoid-contaminated diet on bumble bee colony development, and the potential exposure of pollinators to neonicotinoids resulting from planting of treated seeds. The results of these studies are summarized below and discussed in light of the results of many years of research on the risks of neonicotinoids to bees, including a summary of recent review articles interpreting the extensive literature on neonicotinoids.