An optimized approach for extraction and quantification of energy reserves in differentially fed bumble bees (Bombus)

Recent declines in managed and native bee populations are likely driven by diverse causes, including pesticides, parasites, habitat loss, and changing climate. The effects of these drivers may be all mediated, in part, via effects on energy reserves which are primarily lipids, sugars, and glycogen. Changes in energy reserves can be a useful indicator of individual and population-level bee health. Here we describe an approach for estimating quantities of lipids, sugars, and glycogen from differentially fed individuals of bumble bees (genus Bombus). For both lab-reared (Bombus impatiens) and field-collected (Bombus huntii) bumble bees, this approach reliably detected small shifts in energy reserves. The inexpensive and straightforward approach described here should be more generally useful for monitoring health of bee populations and other insect species.