Ordinary pesticides prevent bees and flies from sleeping well

Like us, many insects need a proper sleep to function properly, but this may not be possible if they are exposed to neonicotinoid insecticides, the most common form of insecticide used worldwide, according to research by academics at the University. of Bristol.

Two studies by scientists at the Schools of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Biological Sciences in Bristol have shown that these insecticides affect the amount of sleep affected by both bumblebees and fruit flies, which can help us understand why insect pollinators from nature disappear.

Dr. Kiah Tasman, a lecturer at the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience and lead author of the studies, said: “The neonicotinoids we tested had a huge effect on the amount of sleep taken by flies and bees. ‘ an insect was exposed to a similar amount as it experienced on a farm where the pesticide was applied, it slept less and beat the daily behavioral rhythms out of the sinch with the normal 24-hour cycle of day and night. ‘

The fruit fly study published today in Scientific reports, allowed the researchers to study the impact of pesticides on the insect brain.

In addition to the fact that typical agricultural concentrations of neonicotinoids destroy the flies’ ability to remember, the researchers also saw changes in the clock in the flight brain that control the 24-hour cycle of day and night.

Dr. James Hodge, associate professor of neuroscience at the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience and senior author of the study, added: “Being able to give time is important to know when to be awake and nourished, and it seemed like it is intoxicated insects could not sleep. We know that quality sleep is important for insects, just like for humans, for their health and the formation of lasting memories. “

Dr Sean Rands, senior lecturer at the School of Biological Sciences and co-author, explained: “Bees and flies have similar structures in their brains, and this indicates one reason why these drugs are so bad for bees, because they stop the bees properly sleep and then can learn where food is in their environment.

“Neonicotinoids are currently banned in the EU, and we hope that they will continue in the UK as we leave EU law.”