Entomological Society of America Behavioral predictors of and effects of parasites on colony initiation in bumble bees Colony initiation is a key stage in the life cycle of many social insects. Bumble bees have an annual life cycle in which only queens overwinter and then initiate colonies in spring. Successful colony initiation is therefore critical…

Entomological Society of America Thermoregulatory responses to diapause induction cues vary with caste and life stage in bumblebees New bumblebee queens emerge in late summer and early autumn and are the only members of their natal colonies to survive through winter. Thus, winter survival of new bumblebee queens through diapause is crucial to the survival of the species,…

Megan Dillon received her Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Washington in 2000. Since then she has worked as a research and diagnostic laboratory technician, specializing in molecular biology techniques. As part of the ICE Network, Megan is working on the effects of diapause on macronutrients in bumblebee queens. Megan first realized…

Entomological Society of America On-Demand 10-Minute Session Available Wednesday, November 11, 2020 Effects of ground temperature on survival and energy usage of overwintering queen bumblebees Bumble bees are critical pollinators in serious decline, in part due to changing climate. Changes in growing season climate have been the predominant focus of climate change studies in bumble…