Acetamiprid Exposure Disrupts Gut Microbiota in Adult and Larval Worker Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)

Abstract

The pesticide acetamiprid, widely used to protect outdoor crops, poses lesser risks to pollinators like honeybees compared to other pesticides. However, its impact on honeybees’ gut microbiota remains unclear. This study revealed that acetamiprid significantly altered the gut microbial community in both adult and larval bees, leading to disturbances in energy and neurometabolic pathways. This indicates that acetamiprid affects bee health not only directly but also indirectly through changes in the gut microbiota. Hence, the assessment of pesticides’ risks must consider their effects on bee gut bacteria. This study provides crucial insights for a comprehensive understanding of acetamiprid’s impact on bee health.