Vol. 9, Issue 2, Part G (2025)

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are vital pollinators for global ecosystems and agriculture, yet their populations are declining due to multiple stressors, including pesticide exposure. Neonicotinoids, such as Thiamethoxam, are widely used systemic insecticides known for their detrimental effects on pollinators. This study investigates the impact of Thiamethoxam on honey bee biology, colony health, and resource management over two seasons. Key developmental parameters, including larval and pupal periods, fecundity, and body weight, were significantly affected by Thiamethoxam exposure. Treated colonies exhibited prolonged larval (5.85±0.41 days) and pupal (10.00±0.62 days) periods, reduced fecundity (823.35±58.99 eggs), and lower larval (88.60±8.57 mg) and pupal (88.15±6.62 mg) weights compared to controls. Additionally, Thiamethoxam exposure led to significant declines in brood area, pollen storage, nectar storage, and colony weight, with minimal recovery over time. These findings align with previous studies demonstrating the sublethal effects of neonicotinoids on bee behavior, reproduction, and colony dynamics. The results underscore the adverse impacts of Thiamethoxam on honey bee health and highlight the urgent need for sustainable pest management practices to mitigate the risks posed by neonicotinoid insecticides to pollinators.