Endosymbionts That Threaten Commercially Raised and Wild Bumble Bees ( Spp.)

Overview

Journal J Pollinat Ecol

Date 2025 Jan 3

PMID 39749009

Authors

Laura L Figueroa

Ben M Sadd

Amber D Tripodi

James P Strange

Sheila R Colla

Laurie Davies Adams

Michelle A Duennes

Elaine C Evans

David M Lehmann

Heather Moylett

Leif Richardson

James W Smith

Tamara A Smith

Edward M Spevak

David W Inouye

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Bumble bees ( spp.) are important pollinators for both wild and agriculturally managed plants. We give an overview of what is known about the diverse community of internal potentially deleterious bumble bee symbionts, including viruses, bacteria, protozoans, fungi, and nematodes, as well as methods for their detection, quantification, and control. We also provide information on assessment of risk for select bumble bee symbionts and highlight key knowledge gaps. This information is crucial for ongoing efforts to establish parasite- conscious programs for future commerce in bumble bees for crop pollination, and to mitigate the problems with pathogen spillover to wild populations.

Citing Articles

The Role of Pathogens in Bumblebee Decline: A Review.

Chen H, Bashir N, Li Q, Liu C, Naeem M, Wang H Pathogens. 2025; 14(1).

PMID: 39861055 PMC: 11768362. DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14010094.

Parasites, parasitoids, and hive products that are potentially deleterious to wild and commercially raised bumble bees ( spp.) in North America.

Evans E, Strange J, Sadd B, Tripodi A, Figueroa L, Adams L J Pollinat Ecol. 2025; 33(3):37-53.

PMID: 39749144 PMC: 11694831. DOI: 10.26786/1920-7603(2023)710.

An Evidence-based rationale for a North American commercial bumble bee clean stock certification program.

Strange J, Colla S, Adams L, Duennes M, Evans E, Figueroa L J Pollinat Ecol. 2025; 33:1-13.

PMID: 39749008 PMC: 11694840. DOI: 10.26786/1920-7603(2023)721.

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