Ellen Keaveny, Michael Dillon Published: September 24, 2022 Abstract For insects, the timing of many life history events (phenology) depends on temperature cues. Body size is a critical mediator of insect responses to temperature, so may also influence phenology. The determinants of spring emergence of bumble bee queens are not well understood, but body size…

Keaveny, E.C., Waybright, S.A., Rusch, T.W., and M.E. Dillon Published: February, 2022 Abstract Bumble bees thrive in cold climates including high latitude and high altitude regions around the world, yet cold tolerance strategies are largely unknown for most species. To determine bumble bee cold tolerance strategy, we exposed bumble bees to a range of low…

Sarah Signor, George Yocum, Julia Bowsher Published: January, 2022 Abstract Diapause is a complex physiological phenomenon that allows insects to weather stressful environmental conditions. The regulation of diapause is accordingly complex, including signaling pathways that involve both small RNA and mRNA and affect the cell cycle, stress resistance, and developmental timing. Transposable elements, mobile genetic…

Earls, Kayla, Porter, Monique, Rinehart, Joseph P., and Greenlee, Kendra J. Published: November 26, 2021 Abstract Variable spring temperatures may expose developing insects to sublethal conditions, resulting in long-term consequences. The alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata, overwinters as a prepupa inside a brood cell, resuming development in spring. During these immobile stages of development, bees…