Please join us on for our next meeting to be held on Sunday 16 March 2025 from 1—2 pm AEST (Qld time) or 2-3pm AEDT (NSW, Vic time).

Investigating potential impacts of coastal mosquito control programs on Australian Stingless Bees

Presenters: Brian Johnson, James Hereward & Eve Muller

Abstract: Mosquito control products, such as Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) and the insect growth regulator S-methoprene (methoprene), are commonly used in Australia to manage mosquito populations. However, the potential impact of these products on non-target species, particularly native pollinators like stingless bees, remains under-researched. In this talk, we will present results of recent field and laboratory experiments aimed at evaluating the effects of these mosquito control agents on Tetragonula carbonaria, an important and popular Australian stingless bee species. We began by reviewing existing literature on Bti and methoprene toxicity in pollinators, a body of knowledge which primarily focuses on the widely studied honeybee (Apis mellifera). While these studies suggest limited risks to honeybee health, and by extension to native stingless bees, significant knowledge gaps remain. To address these knowledge gaps, we conducted a field experiment wherein T. carbonaria hives were placed near two coastal mosquito treatment sites. The goal of this experiment was to quantify the foraging behavior and toxin exposure of stingless bees under realistic environmental conditions. In addition to the field study, we performed laboratory experiments to evaluate both acute and chronic effects of Bti and methoprene in T. carbonaria. Combined, the results of these experiments will provide a comprehensive assessment of stingless bee exposure and toxicity for these critical mosquito control products, contributing to a better understanding of their environmental safety and potential impacts on pollinator health.

Biographies of the Presenters

Eve Muller is a prospective PhD student at the University of Queensland with a keen interest in Australian Native Bees. Eve recently graduated with a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Hons) majoring in Conservation and Ecology and has been awarded a scholarship to start a PhD in April.

Dr James Hereward is a researcher at UQ who uses genetics and genomics to investigate insect pests, weeds, and pollinators. Together with Tobias Smith he runs a stingless bee meliponary on the roof of the Goddard building at UQ.

Dr Brian Johnson is a Senior Research Officer in the Mosquito Control Laboratory (MCL) at QIMR-Berghofer in Brisbane and currently serves as the Research Scientist for the Mosquito and Arbovirus Research Committee (MARC). The MARC is an independent Australian body that represents local government and state health departments. Members are committed to implementing effective measures for mosquito control and disease prevention through a sound understanding of mosquito ecology and mosquito-borne disease transmission. Brian works in the lab and field on the management and surveillance of mosquitoes and the viruses they transmit to help achieve these goals.

All are welcome to attend in person at Bulimba Community Centre, 1 Barramul St, Bulimba, Brisbane. Free for members, $5 for non-members. ANBA members can attend by Zoom, a link to join will be sent by email prior to the event.