title: Establishment risk of the commercially imported bumblebeeBombus terrestris dalmatinus-can they survive UK winters?
abstract: Bumblebees are regularly exported to countries outside their native range for the purposes of commercial pollination. In contrast to the tight regulations imposed on biological control introductions, the movement of bumblebees has largely been without risk assessment. This study represents the first formal assessment of establishment risk forBombus terrestris dalmatinusin the UK. The ability of workers to survive winter conditions is seen as the primary barrier to establishment, given the year-round colony activity of this sub-species. We use standardised cold tolerance indices as outlined by the EU policy support action 'REBECA' as well as assessing rapid cold hardening (RCH) ability. Cold tolerance was comparable to that of the UK-nativeBombus terrestris audax, including a strong RCH response. Results suggest thatB. t. dalmatinuscould survive mild UK winters in southern areas and potentially displaceB. t. audax. The implications of ongoing climate change on establishment risks are discussed.
authors: School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK.
authors: Emily L
authors: EL
authors: Owen
authors: School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK.
authors: Jeffrey S
authors: JS
authors: Bale
authors: School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK.
authors: Scott A L
authors: SA
authors: Hayward
keywords: bumblebee; cold tolerance; native; rapid cold hardening; winter