Microsporidian parasite impairs colony fitness in bumblebees

Emerging infectious diseases can have a major impact on the fitness of novel hosts, thereby contributing to ongoing species declines. In social insects, collaborative brood care by workers and successful mating of male sexuals are key to colony fitness. The microsporidian endoparasite, Nosema ceranae, has spread almost globally, shifting across honeybee species and now to bumblebees. However, despite N. ceranae being linked to recent population declines, its possible impact on bumblebee colony fitness remains poorly understood. Here, we show that N. ceranae infections can significantly impact Bombus terrestris worker feeding glands, as well as the longevity, sperm quality, and mating abilities of drones. In the laboratory, workers and drones were exposed to either the parasite or not. Then, parasite infection rates and loads, as well as lethal and sublethal parameters were assessed. Infected drones revealed higher parasite infection rates and spore titres as wel..., , , # Microsporidian parasite impairs colony fitness in bumblebees

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Title of Dataset: Microsporidian parasite impairs colony fitness in bumblebees
2. Author Information
A. Principal Investigator Contact Information
Name: Domenic W. Camenzind
Institution: Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Address: Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3097 Liebefeld, Bern, Switzerland
Email: [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])
3. Date of data collection (single date, range, approximate date): Between May and September 2019
4. Geographic location of data collection: The study was performed at the Institute of Bee Health (IBH), University of Bern, Switzerland
5. Information about funding sources that supported the collection of the data: Support was provided by the Vinetum Foundation to L.S. There was no additional external funding received for this study.

**DATA & FILE OVERVIEW**

1. File List: Excel file ...