Osmia lignaria laboratory rearing protocol

Authors: Williams, Mary-Kate; BOYLE, NATALIE - Pennsylvania State University; SCHAEFFER, ROBERT - Utah State University; Cox-Foster, Diana

Submitted to: Protocols.io
Publication Type: Rapid Release Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/26/2024
Publication Date: 2/26/2024
Citation: Williams, M.F., Boyle, N.K., Schaeffer, R.N., Cox-Foster, D.L. 2024. Osmia lignaria laboratory rearing protocol. Protocols.io. https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.eq2lyj4qplx9/v1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.eq2lyj4qplx9/v1

Interpretive Summary: This publication describes in detail a method for rearing the blue orchard bee from egg/first instar larvae through to adult emergence, using environmental parameters seen in their native home area of northern Utah. The protocol is designed to enable others to make use of this method. The protocol allows for testing of various stress factors (pesticides, pathogens, etc.) on the bee's biology and health.

Technical Abstract: Our protocol was designed to rear Osmia lignaria Say (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) from immature stages to adult emergence following their natural phenology in northern Utah. Many aspects of the bee's biology can be analyzed using this protocol, including ecology, genetics, microbiome, pathology, toxicology, and pollinator management. An individual bee can be observed as a response to a treatment group, and its development and survival can be measured. The interaction of various stressors can help define synergistic, antagonistic, and additive effects, including acute, sublethal, and chronic treatment responses.Osmia lignaria was used as a model to rear solitary bees in a laboratory setting.