Sublethal effects of an emerging infectious disease on foraging efficiency in bumble bees

• Applicant: Dr. Christoph Kurze
• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 556880059

The importance of bee health and food security has increased as bee populations decline due to various factors, potentially leading to a "pollination crisis". The mite Varroa destructor and associated viruses have contributed significantly to overwintering losses in honey bees. The frequent spread of viruses, particularly deformed wing virus (DWV), to wild pollinators like bumble bees raises questions about the risks they pose to their fitness. Infectious diseases can have deleterious effects on the overall health of bees beyond mortality, but these sublethal effects are largely unknown. Pathogens can reduce foraging efficiency and increase resource acquisition costs, affecting colony fitness. The aim of this project is to investigate the sublethal effects of an emerging viral infection on bumble bees. I propose to analyse the host's energy expenditure during flight and rest throughout the infection (W1) and assess the cognitive and behavioural changes induced by DWV (W2). The results will help fill current knowledge gaps about the sublethal effects of an important emerging virus on bumblebees and improve our understanding of the potential risks it poses to wild pollinators.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants