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University of Regensburg study: Extreme heat damages bumblebee development
A study published in the journal ‘Communications Biology’ by researchers at the University of Regensburg indicates that extreme heat significantly impairs the development of bumblebees. The research, led by Christoph Kurze, focused on the Dark Earth Bumble (Bombus terrestris) in a laboratory setting to observe the effects of heat stress.
During the experiments, temperatures were increased every twelve hours to daytime peaks of up to 38 degrees Celsius. The findings revealed a pupal mortality rate of up to 30 percent. Additionally, the heat caused developmental deformities, including crippled wings and antennae.
Researchers noted that these physical impairments and developmental issues double the mortality risk for adult bumblebees and significantly shorten their lifespans. Such impacts could lead to reduced bumblebee populations, potentially causing widespread consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, and food production, as bumblebees are vital pollinators for many wild and agricultural plants.
Entities
Bombus terrestris · Christoph Kurze · Communications Biology · University of Regensburg
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Heat stress caused a mortality rate of up to 30 percent in pupae during laboratory testing. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.waltroper-zeitung.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de · www.volksfreund.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] Developmental damage from heat doubles the mortality risk for adult bumblebees. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.waltroper-zeitung.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de · www.volksfreund.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] Laboratory temperatures were raised to peaks of 38 degrees Celsius every twelve hours. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.waltroper-zeitung.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de · www.volksfreund.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] Heat stress leads to physical deformations such as crippled wings and antennae. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.waltroper-zeitung.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de · www.volksfreund.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] The study focused on the Dark Earth Bumble (Bombus terrestris). www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.waltroper-zeitung.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de · www.volksfreund.de
- [● 5 SOURCES] Extreme heat can damage the development of bumblebees and shorten their lifespan. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.waltroper-zeitung.de · www.muensterlandzeitung.de · www.volksfreund.de