In order to accommodate growing populations globally in the face of climate change and limited land available for crops, food production will require the use of pesticides. Work on pesticides and their effects on biodiversity typically focuses on agricultural systems. However recent work suggests that urban and suburban areas also present a mosaic of pesticide exposure for insects. Responsible use of pesticides should be based on literature confirming their efficacy and safety, however pesticides are typically not adequately investigated for sublethal effects prior to their release. Neonicotinoid pesticides, for instance have resulted in extensive consequences to exposed pollinator populations. We present preliminary data from laboratory experiments exposing bumble bees topically to the popular pesticide, Botanigard (Beauveria bassiana), which contains a naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus. Botanigard is marketed as a safer alternative to such harsh pesticides as neonicotinoids, however recent studies have found mortality effects and reduced cognitive abilities of exposed honeybees and bumble bees. We are investigating this biopesticide to assess its impacts on both the directly exposed foraging bees, as well as the rest of the colony, which may be exposed secondarily by returning foragers. We have found and will present data on the decreased survival, impaired learning abilities, and disrupted division of labor of bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) colonies. These are the first data of their kind investigating the social and cognitive effects of this pesticide on native bumble bees.
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