Early-Life Sublethal Exposure to Thiacloprid Alters Adult Honeybee Gut Microbiota

Abstract

Thiacloprid, a neonicotinoid pesticide, is known to affect the gut microbiome of honeybees, yet studies often focus on immediate alternations during exposure, overlooking long-term microbiological impacts post-exposure. This study investigates the influences of sublethal thiacloprid administered during the larval developmental stage of honeybees on physiological changes and gut microbiota of adult honeybees. We found that thiacloprid exposure increased mortality and sugar intake in emerged honeybees. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, we analyzed intestinal microbial diversity of honeybees at one and six days post-emergence. Our findings reveal a significant but transient disruption in gut microbiota on day 1, with recovery from dysbiosis by day 6. This study emphasizes the importance of evaluating chronic sublethal exposure risks of thiacloprid to protect honeybee health.