Data from: Neonicotinoid insecticides can serve as inadvertent insect contraceptives

There is clear evidence for sublethal effects of neonicotinoid
insecticides on non-target ecosystem service-providing insects. However,
their possible impact on male insect reproduction is currently unknown,
despite the key role of sex. Here, we show that two neonicotinoids (4.5
ppb thiamethoxam and 1.5 ppb clothianidin) significantly reduce the
reproductive capacity of male honeybees (drones), Apis mellifera. Drones
were obtained from colonies exposed to the neonicotinoid insecticides or
controls, and subsequently maintained in laboratory cages until they
reached sexual maturity. While no significant effects were observed for
male teneral (newly emerged adult) body mass and sperm quantity, the data
clearly showed reduced drone lifespan, as well as reduced sperm viability
(percentage living versus dead) and living sperm quantity by 39%. Our
results demonstrate for the first time that neonicotinoid insecticides can
negatively affect male insect reproductive capacity, and provide a
possible mechanistic explanation for managed honeybee queen failure and
wild insect pollinator decline. The widespread prophylactic use of
neonicotinoids may have previously overlooked inadvertent contraceptive
effects on non-target insects, thereby limiting conservation efforts.