A commonly used pesticide derived from nicotine is proving dangerous to wild bees, according to new research published in the journal Nature.
by Hannah Moore
April 23, 2015—A new study reveals that a commonly used pesticide is severely hurting wild bees. The study, published Wednesday in the journal Nature and reported in the San Jose Mercury News, revealed that neonicotinoid insecticides—which are derived from nicotine—-stunted the growth of wild bee colonies, decreased the density of wild bees and reduced reproduction.
To the surprise of some experts, however, the honeybees trucked from farm to farm to pollinate crops did not suffer as much from the pesticide as their wild relatives did.
Unfortunately, bees seem to prefer crops covered in neonicotinoid insecticides to pesticide-free crops, a second study in the journal reveals.
The study’s findings may result in a ban of the pesticide in the U.S. and Europe. The European Union has banned the pesticide temporarily in a decision subject to review in December, TIME magazine reports, but the pesticide isn’t banned in the U.S. right now. The EPA is holding off on approving new outdoor use of neonicotinoid insecticides, waiting for new data. This study may include the new data that influences this decision.
Bee populations are already in decline for reasons other than pesticide danger. “Colony collapse disorder” has wiped out honeybee population in recent years, although experts say the phenomenon is not as strong now.
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