Can Infiltrators be Indicators? Understanding Cuckoo Bumblebees

Cuckoo bumblebees are obligate parasites that must successfully invade and gain control of a host bumblebee colony to achieve reproductive success. As apex species, these cuckoos have been considered as potential indicator species of healthy bumblebee habitat for some time. However, our limited understanding of cuckoo bumblebee ecology makes it difficult to understand their full impact on host populations and the challenges they face as a group. In this talk, Sofia describes this fascinating host-parasite relationship and presents experiments she has conducted to unravel the complexities of the cuckoo bumblebee lifecycle.

Sofia Dartnell is a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge. Before moving to the UK, Sofia completed her undergraduate degree in biology at Pomona College, California. There, she spent time researching the pollinator communities visiting Los Angeles native plants as well as the impacts of urbanisation and habitat loss on pollinator communities. Outside of her research, Sofia is passionate about teaching, with experience teaching undergraduate-level entomology, conservation science, and tropical biodiversity courses.

The 1-hour event will consist of a presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience. This event is a one-off and will not be repeated. If you can't attend the live event, you don't need to miss out. Book a space and once we've processed the event content after the live event you will be sent a link to the content online.

entoLIVE is delivered by the Biological Recording Company, British Entomological & Natural History Society, Royal Entomological Society and Amateur Entomologists' Society, with support from Buglife, Field Studies Council and NBN Trust.