In vitro larval rearing protocol for the stingless bee species Melipona scutellaris for toxicological studies

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213109
• Publication Date: 2019-03-20T17:57:07Z
• Authors: Adna Suelen Dorigo; Annelise de Souza...; Hellen Maria Soar...; Juliana Stephanie...; Roberta Cornélio ...; Osmar Malaspina
• Keywords: Stingless bee

Brazil has the highest biodiversity of native stingless bees in world. However, Brazilian regulations are based on protocols standardized by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which uses Apis mellifera as a model organism. The safety use an exotic species substitute is problem that concerns members academy government agencies responsible studies this nature neotropical regions where there occurrences bee species. Regarding exposure larvae to pesticides, several indicators suggest same rearing method A. cannot be applied bees, mainly because their different feeding systems. Thus, it necessary establish vitro social bees. We developed larval Melipona scutellaris evaluated parameters such defecation rate, pupation, emergence, mortality morphometry newly emerged workers. control was represented individuals from natural combs (in vivo). In addition, we determined average lethal concentration (LC50) insecticide dimethoate, standard active ingredient used validation toxicity tests. Procedures conducted prior bioassays allowed us obtain actual dimensions cells making acrylic plates establishing how much each larva consumes during its development, is, determining food should placed every artificial cell. Tests performed with M. indicated 80.2% emergence relative larvae, 92.61% pupae mean 7.42% mortality. intertegular distance, head width wing asymmetry were not significantly between vivo methods. LC50 value 27.48 ng dimethoate / μL diet. described showed development rates above OECD standards, requires at least 75% produced workers similar those under conditions; thus these results enable protocol (or genus) and, consequently, first steps proposed test can included OECD.