Behavioral and molecular disruptions in honey bees induced by lithium chloride exposure.

ABSTRACT: Lithium chloride (LiCl) has emerged as a promising alternative to synthetic acaricides for controlling Varroa destructor, a major threat to honey bee health. However, its potential side effects on bees and their products require further investigation. This study aimed to assess the effects of LiCl on honey bee health, focusing on survival, behavior, and molecular responses. We investigated the effects of varying doses and feeding durations of LiCl on honey bee survival, aggression, stress- and immune-related gene expression, and recovery potential after treatment cessation. Our results show that LiCl feeding reduced honey bee survival in a dose-dependent manner, with higher concentrations leading to greater accumulation of lithium in bee tissues. Furthermore, LiCl suppressed aggression beh

SUBMITTER: Esmaeily M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12559172 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature