Metals could challenge pollinator conservation in legacy cities

Metal contamination is a worldwide issue that is particularly present and ubiquitous in urban environments. Many pollinators, including species of bees, butterflies, and moths are found in heavily modified landscapes where they may be negatively affected by exposure to metal contamination. Increased...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of insect conservation 2023-06, Vol.27 (3), p.361-375
Main Authors: Scott, Sarah B., Sivakoff, Frances S., Meuti, Megan E., Gardiner, Mary M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal Ecology
Bees
Biodiversity
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Butterflies & moths
Conservation
Conservation Biology/Ecology
Contamination
Entomology
Exposure
Immunology
Insects
Life Sciences
Metal concentrations
Metals
Pollinators
Review Paper
Urban environments
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Summary:Metal contamination is a worldwide issue that is particularly present and ubiquitous in urban environments. Many pollinators, including species of bees, butterflies, and moths are found in heavily modified landscapes where they may be negatively affected by exposure to metal contamination. Increased efforts to convert vacant urban lands to habitat that benefits such communities necessitates a thorough understanding of the hazard and risks pollinators face in metal contaminated landscapes. This investigation revealed that bees and butterflies have complex species and population specific responses to metals. Exposure to these pollutants can have reproductive, immunological, behavioral, and developmental impacts. These include challenged reproductive efforts, longer developmental times, and elevated brood mortality for pollinators. Implications for insect conservation This review shows that pollinator conservation efforts are threatened if we fail to recognize the importance of metal exposure within contaminated landscapes. Bees and butterflies are exposed to metal concentrations in legacy cities that can cause reproductive, development, or behavioral impacts.
ISSN:1366-638X
1572-9753
DOI:10.1007/s10841-023-00474-y