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Angeli's Lab Members





Andrea Simoncelli
Bachelor student (Mar. 2017 - )
Andrea.Simoncelli@natec.unibz.it




Title "Temporal dynamic effects of neonicotinoids on foragers honeybees by remote sensing technology"

During last years, the use of pesticides -in particular neonicotinoids- has been considerably increased in an effort of reducing pest insects in agricultural crops all over the world. Moreover, these substances may persist into the environment for a period of time ranging from few months to few years, possibly affecting also non-target organisms, among which those particularly useful to the ecosystem, such as honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). Our study aims to define the effects of sublethal doses of neonicotinoids on honey bees by considering each family as a multi-organism. In particular, we will investigate the effects of disorientation and on behavior alteration after exposing five families per each treatment. A remote automated sensor system will be applied to each family measuring different internal and external variables including the number of daily flights. We will verify if there is any alteration of the normal fly cycle performed by foragers during their daily activity, by measuring the number of flying bees entering or exiting the hive at any moment, depending on the presence or absence of neonicotinoid pesticides in their nectar-like food.

Last updated 26.4.2017