Entomological Society of America Diapause regulation by environmental cues in the alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata The alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata F. (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), is an intensively managed and an important solitary pollinator for North American agriculture. M. rotundata undergoes facultative diapause in which early season progeny complete development to produce a second generation whereas…

Entomological Society of America Effects of cryopreservation on Bombus impatiens spermatozoa Bumblebee populations are increasingly under threat from urban and rural landscape changes, pesticides and pathogens, and climate change. Declines in population abundance and in spatial distribution has led to endangered species listing or petitions for multiple bumble bee species (e.g. B. affinis, B. terricola,…

Entomological Society of America Mornings are for the bees: How microclimatic factors influence first flight Flight in insects may be limited by unfavorable environmental conditions that could have downstream effects on reproduction and pollination. Megachile rotundata is a managed solitary bee used across a range of latitudes. Primarily used for alfalfa, M. rotundata can pollinate…

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…